Random pre-race testing for “milkshakes”–the loading of bicarbonates through a stomach tube to reduce fatigue-causing buildup of lactic acid–began at Santa Anita Park in late February, but the California Horse Racing Board is referring to the program as a survey because no penalties will be applied if a horse tests positive.

Concerned over widespread accusations among trainers that the illegal race-day treatment is a problem, an anonymous donor provided several thousand dollars to launch the program in California. The Oak Tree Racing Association volunteered additional funding to the CHRB, which claims to be short on funds, to ensure the tests would continue for at least three months