New York moves closer to drug testing system for race horses

The New York agency responsible for regulating horse racing has passed new restrictions on steroid use in thoroughbred and standardbred racing.

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board said it passed the proposal Thursday.

The state's proposal would allow one of four types of steroids at a time used on a horse and set different concentration limits for the drugs.

The rules comply with standards supported by the Racing Medication Testing Consortium and the Association of Racing Commissioners International.

Gov. David Paterson will evaluate the guidelines, and then they would be submitted to the Department of State for a 45-day public comment period after which the board can adopt the rules.