Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky has suspended 27 people named in a federal race horse doping indictment from training, racing or selling on its property.
Horses racing at Keeneland Race Track
Putting profits and self-interest over the safety and integrity of our sport and its equine athletes has never, and will never, be tolerated by Keeneland.
© 2010 by David Ohmer
Authorities in New York have charged more than two dozen horse trainers, veterinarians and others in what they describe as a widespread international scheme to illegally drug horses to make them run faster. The charges were detailed in four indictments.
In response to the federal indictments filed by the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney, Bill Thomason, President & CEO of Keeneland Association Inc. has issued the following statement:
“The administration of illegal medication and other improper substances to our equine athletes, as outlined by the indictments brought forth by federal prosecutors, is simply unacceptable. Putting profits and self-interest over the safety and integrity of our sport and its athletes has never, and will never, be tolerated by Keeneland."
"As the legal proceedings against the individuals identified by federal prosecutors unfold, the Thoroughbred racing community must continue to strengthen our screening processes. In the meantime, Keeneland will suspend the individuals in question from participating in training, racing or sales activities on our property."
"We have faith in the legal system and appreciate the work of the federal law enforcement, including the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney’s office. Ensuring the safety and well-being of these horses will always be our top priority.”
For more than 80 years, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts four sales a year, in January, April, September and November, and its sales graduates dominate racing across the globe at every level.
In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015 and will hold the event again on Nov. 6-7, 2020.
Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky.
Keeneland also maintains the Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com
Press release provided by Keeneland Association