A few weeks ago, a Kentucky governor passed a regulation against using steroids on racing horses. Today, Kentucky is taking another step to improve their Horse Racing scene. This time they are taking a humane route by regulating the type of whips used in Horse Racing. They may also ban several whipping techniques used by jockeys to make their mounts go faster.

A Kentucky welfare and safety panel took to voting last Monday – September 15. The group came to the agreement that they will be outlawing certain whips used by horse racing jockeys. The panel will also ban Riding crops that have snappers at the end. These types of crops are considered inhumane because they leave welts on the body of the horse. One-handed whipping will also be banned and jockeys are advised to keep their hands in front of their bodies during the race.

Approval of the following restrictions is up to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The commission is to reconvene on September 22. Some members of the commission are positive that the regulations will pass and that these restrictions are long overdue. One commission member Alan Leavitt had this to say:

“The perception on the part of the gamblers was if the horse wasn’t really beaten, they weren’t getting their money’s worth. But most of the great drivers will tell you it doesn’t affect the way a horse races.”

A regulation banning steroids use on horses has been approved in Kentucky.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear was the one to approve the regulation. Testing on race horses will begin before the Fall Racing season. The horses will be tested for common steroids such as testosterone, nandrolone and boldenone. The regulation will affect both Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing.

Governor Beshear has been quoted saying: “This is a historic day in Kentucky racing. This action demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the integrity of racing and the safety of its competitors.”

Beshear has also announced that no testing will be done during the first month of the ban. Horse Racing officials go on to say that horse owners should not interpret the 30 day period as a chance to pump their horses with steroids. Instead it is a time for them to allow the horses to work the steroids out of their system so that they test negative come race day. Owners with race horses found positive for steroids will be facing serious disciplinary action. Some of them may even be banned from the competitions for life.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has also advised Kentucky veterinarians against injecting horses with anabolic steroids. Racing horses in Kentucky may only receive steroids on a therapeutic basis.