British sale companies Tattersalls and DBS have updated their conditions of sale to allow buyers the option to return a horse that tests positive for steroids, according to Racing Post. The move is in response to the British Horseracing Authority's enhanced zero-tolerance steroid policy, and the buyer will be given the option upon signing the ticket to have the horse tested at a BHA-approved lab.
Directors at both DBS and Tattersalls noted that testing has already been in place for a number of years, and a positive has yet to be returned.
“When buyers sign for a lot they will be asked if they want to test the horse for steroids. However, we've been testing for steroids for more than 10 years and never had a positive,” DBS Managing Director Henry Beeby told the publication. He added, “We've been in close consultation with the BHA to come into line with the regulations. Our testing policy has been upgraded so we can be sure whatever standards are imposed on racehorses at British racecourses are imposed on the yearlings being bought at Doncaster.”
Tattersalls Marketing Director Jimmy George told Racing Post, “We introduced testing for anabolic steroids a number of years ago and have never had a positive. I don't expect that to change, and I don't expect buyers' behavior to change. We've just had to revisit the issue [of steroids] and come up with comprehensive conditions of sale to reflect the BHA stance.”
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