Pat Forde of ESPN.com reports that "The steroid era in American thoroughbred racing will be over in 2009," as the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee will make a public recommendation next week that steroids be banned for all racehorses in the United States.That will make Big Brown the last great racehorse to be fueled by steroids -- or at least, the last great racehorse whose trainer admits he's fueled by steroids. Trainer Rick Dutrow (pictured) acknowledges giving Winstrol to Big Brown, although he says he stopped on April 15. It's legal in most states to give steroids to horses.
The safety of race horses has become a hot-button issue since Eight Belles, who finished second to Big Brown at the Kentucky Derby, broke both front legs and was euthanized minutes after crossing the finish line. Eight Belles tested negative for steroids.
