Pursuant to the Directive for Harness Racing Horses Linked to Alleged Drug Violations issued March 17, 2020, all horses claimed, sold or otherwise transferred from a summarily suspended, indicted trainer or a trainer named in a criminal complaint in the 60 days prior to the date of the announcement of the indictment or criminal complaint, were placed on the Steward’s List. Such Commission Directive provided that hair sampling could occur once 30 days have passed since the claimed, sold or otherwise transferred horse arrived at the new trainer’s barn.
In furtherance of such Directive, the Commission has determined to commence hair testing on standardbred horses on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Until further notice, such testing shall be conducted at the following locations:
Buffalo Raceway
5600 McKinley Parkway
Hamburg
Monticello Raceway
204 State Route 17B
Monticello
Saratoga Raceway
342 Jefferson Street
Saratoga Springs
Testing will only occur on an appointment basis, secured through the Presiding Judge of the appropriate racetrack. Should qualifiers be authorized, the Commission will expand testing availability.
For horses outside the State of New York, the Commission will only accept hair sampling if performed by the State’s racing regulatory office. Such office may make arrangements for the submission of such samples through the Office of the Equine Medical Director by contacting me at scott.palmer@gaming.ny.gov.
To: All New York Licensed Trainers and Veterinarians
From: Scott E. Palmer
Date: April 24, 2020