“This is a complex issue and while we are disappointed not to be in a position to launch on 1 January, I have no doubt that we are doing the right thing in not trying to rush its introduction."

Clarification sought with riders, stakeholders and owners on certain elements

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that full implementation of its zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of anabolic steroids has been delayed until March 2015.
 
In a statement the BHA said that the delay will allow more time to work with riders, owners and stakeholders, to clarify certain elements of the new rules and to secure consensus from all affected parties.

First announced in June 2014, the policy aims to ensure that British Racing remains at the forefront of tackling an issue that ranks amongst the biggest threats faced by any world sport.

The decision to delay the introduction has been welcomed by a number of horse racing organisations.

Richard Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), said: “The NTF fully supports the BHA’s general policy on anabolic steroids and we are keen for its implementation to run smoothly.

Unfortunately some practical issues remain unresolved so we welcome the BHA’s decision to delay the introduction until these are ironed out. We are committed to working with all the parties involved to ensure the rules and procedures achieve the agreed objectives.”

Richard Wayman, Racehorse Owners Association's (ROA) chief executive, said: “The ROA unequivocally supports a zero tolerance approach to anabolic steroids but we recognise application of the new policy is not without its challenges including, for example, establishing who is responsible for a horse when it is not stabled with its trainer or owner.

Delaying implementation for a short period of time to allow such issues to be fully worked through is eminently sensible as the priority must be to ensure the new rules operate as intended and also that they are fully communicated to those directly involved before they become effective.”

Jamie Stier, director of raceday operations and regulation for BHA, said: “This is a complex issue and while we are disappointed not to be in a position to launch on 1 January, I have no doubt that we are doing the right thing in not trying to rush its introduction."

Full details of the policy can be found at www.britishhorseracing.com