The anti-steroid movement succeeded in banning steroid use in horseracing in the state of New York for 2009. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has implemented new regulations that ban the use of steroids in horses except for the therapeutic use of four steroids (”The Day at the Races,” January 1).

The new rules allows just for the therapeutic use of one of four anabolic steroids - stanozolol, boldenone, nandrolone and testosterone - as long as they are administered 30 days before a race and test below a specific level in the post-race urine test.

All other anabolic steroids are banned.

Steroids became a big issue last year, even though legal at the time, when trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. admitted giving Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown the steroid Winstrol (stanozolol) on the 15th of every month.The widespread use of steroids in horseracing came to light upon news of Winstrol use by Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown leading to revelations that steroid use was legally permitted in 28 of 38 states where horse races take place including all three states holding Triple Crown races.

With no federal or state laws preventing the use of most steroids, most racing jurisdictions permitted them. Steroids were legal in 2008 in the three states holding Triple Crown races (”New York Unveils Steroid-Free Racing,” January 1).

A 2003 study conducted by Pennsylvania racing officials found that 60 percent of horses racing in that state had been treated with at least one steroid. Pennsylvania later banned steroids, but other states were slow to act.

Hysteria over steroids and public outrage at their widespread use led to bans on steroids in several states.