BHA to strengthen policy after drugs row.

Byline: By Graham Green

TAKEOVER TARGET could be among overseas horses barred from visiting Britain after the BHA yesterday beefed up its policy concerning performance-enhancing drugs.

From 1 January 2009, under a new BHA directive, overseas trainers will have to declare that their horses have not been trained on "non-therapeutic substances", or face a ban from running in the UK.

The move is bound to be seen as a reaction to trainer Mark Johnston's outspoken criticism of foreign-trained horses being encouraged to visit Britain, despite their having been administered banned substances like steroids in the past.

Johnston had a spat in June with Australian trainers Peter Moody and Joe Janiak. The latter trains Ascot favourite Takeover Target, who failed a drug test in Hong Kong later in 2006 after winning the King's Stand Stakes.

Under the new order, however, Janiak would have to explain the circumstances surrounding Takeover Target's positive test in Hong Kong. Although Janiak says the steroid was recommended by vets for horses who travel, there is a grey area over whether this would be construed as a "therapeutic use".

Tim Morris, BHA Director of Equine Science and Welfare, explained: "If Takeover Target were to come to Britain next year, the trainer would be asked to sign the declaration and we want to understand what has been done in the past, and if we had some questions we would follow it up.

"I think it would be clear that if there was routine use of steroids when the horse travelled without veterinary prescription - as was reported hearsay - common sense would say that doesn't fall in the category of exceptional veterinary prescription."

In Britain, the use of performance-enhancing drugs is outlawed. This includes any use of anabolic agents to increase muscle mass, such as steroid drugs, and the use of drugs for a 'partitioning' effect to increase muscle and reduce fat, such as in the misuse of bronchodilator drugs. However, steroids are permitted for veterinary use on out-of-training horses if advised by a vet.

This approach to drug use in training is harmonised across Europe and is similar to many, but not all, racing nations. A major exception is the US, although they are moving towards a more stringent steroids policy, albeit one that may well be some way removed from the European norm.

Morris added: "We need to make it clear that racing in Britain is both fair and safe. There needs to be a level playing field for all trainers and owners, and at the same time the welfare of the horse needs to be protected.

"Horses should only get the medication needed for treatment, and be drug-free on racedays.

"We will require a declaration from trainers of horses from outside Europe that they do not train, and have not ever trained, on non-therapeutic substances, and in particular on anabolic and partitioning agents. All such horses are already tested before racing, and we may also consider home country testing in cooperation with other racing authorities. Other checks will be made to ensure we are aware of all imported and visiting horses.

"We wholeheartedly support international competition and welcome the move in the US towards a harmonised model rule on the use of anabolic agents."

Johnston commented: "All we are looking for is a level playing field - this is a big step in the right direction."