27 Charged in Horse Racing Drugging Case
Multiple horse trainers, veterinarians and others have been charged in what authorities describe as a widespread international scheme to drug horses to run faster.
The charges were detailed in four indictments unveiled this morning in Manhattan Federal Court. Charges brought against 27 individuals include drug adulteration and misbranding conspiracy.
The charges allegedly affected races in New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the indictments, marketers and distributors of drugs known as “blood builders” to stimulate a horse’s endurance have infiltrated the horse racing industry for at least the last decade.
Authorities say the drugs can cause horses to overexert themselves, leading to heart issues or death.
The indictments said other drugs used to deaden a horse’s sensitivity to pain to improve the horse’s performance could also lead to leg fractures.
