Taking a get-tough stance, the California Horse Racing Board moved forward with its sweeping overhaul of the state’s equine drug policies including the first ban of so-called “designer” anabolic steroids.

At its monthly meeting Jan. 23, the board voted 7-0 to open a 45-day public review of the changes, which include tougher and consistent penalties for more than 800 classified drugs. In addition, the changes establish stiff penalties for high levels of total carbon dioxide, adding extra deterrents for readings over 39 millimoles as well as the existing 37-millimole limit.

“What we’re trying to do is make the risk not worth the reward,” said Rick Arthur, DVM, CHRB equine medical director. “Our real goal is assuring we have the cleanest racing in the country. I have no doubt we already do.”

Trainers with second offenses for Category B drugs can be forced to “dismantle their stables” during a minimum 60-day suspension. That includes turning their horses over to other non-affiliated trainers, giving up their stall space, and moving off the racetrack premises. Such a penalty puts real teeth into drug regulations, officials said