The complicated nature of regulating anabolic steroids in racehorses came to light May 20 when discussion among members of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council and others seemed to indicate the easiest route is an all-out ban on the substances.

Or is it?

"This is a complicated subject," said David Nash, DVM, executive director of the Equine Drug Research Institute headed by Don Catlin, PhD.

Nash offered his insight to the drug council, which is charged with making recommendations to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. The drug council formed a subcommittee to study regulation of steroids, but outside of that, had many more questions than answers