LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In this age of juiced sprinters, cyclists and power hitters, the Kentucky Derby wants to make sure America’s signature thoroughbred race won’t be won by a juiced horse.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the race is steroid-free.
The stigma of chemical-based cheating may be gone thanks to screening for anabolic steroids prior to last year’s Derby. But top industry officials say a more controversial battle against a different kind of steroid abuse could be looming.
Derby track veterinarian Larry Bramlage says he expects the “next frontier” of drug testing will involve a crackdown on a type of steroids that reduces swelling rather than builds muscle. When used properly, these so-called corticosteroids provide major therapeutic benefits in easing arthritis, but when overused, Bramlage says they can potentially do more damage than anabolics by masking injuries and forcing overexertion. Read More…