The New Jersey Racing Commission has cleared all out of competition tests on all entrants in the $1.5 million Hambletonian and $714,050 Hambletonian Oaks to be raced Saturday at The Meadowlands in New Jersey.
Earlier this week samples were drawn from the 20 finalists entered throughout NJ, and those stabled in NY were also tested with the cooperation on the NY State Racing & Wagering Board.
All horses reported six hours in advance of race time (4:45 p.m.) to a secure stakes barn at The Meadowlands, with special bedding provided compliments of The Hambletonian Society and the track.
All contestants will be post race tested according to standard NJ Racing Commission procedures and both winners of the Hambletonian and Oaks will be subject to the "Super Test" screening as will two randomly chosen horses from each field.
The Hambletonian and its companion filly race, the Oaks are the only races in North America to prohibit the use of the raceday medication Lasix or Bute. The out of competition drug testing is to detect evidence of blood doping is also a condition of entry for the Hambletonian and the Oaks.
Dr. Scott Palmer will be the AAEP Veterinarian On-Call.
The races are part of a three-hour live broadcast on CBS Sports Network, the cable affiliate of CBS, from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Post time for the 15-race card is 12 p.m.
(Hambletonian Society)