A television station in Pennsylvania is reporting that three harness racing horses have tested positive for a PED.
According to the report by WNEP, the horses tested positive for Aranesp, which is normally given to people low on red blood cells because of chemotherapy or kidney failure.
Howard Taylor, an attorney and prominent horse owner, says when Aranesp is given to healthy race horses it allows them to maintain top speed longer.
“It increases the oxygen flow to the blood, thereby increasing the endurance substantially,” said Taylor, who has been asked by two trainers to consider representing them.
Bigger purses have led to people doing whatever they can to get their share, Taylor told the station.
“You're having more money than ever in the sport,” Taylor said. “People are going to do what they can to get it, some people, and they're going to bend or break rules.”
He adds that if the state harness racing officials find that trainers cheated, severe punishment will follow.
“If they’re guilty, they`re going to hammer them,” said Taylor. “And they`re talking about years` suspensions.”
Pocono Downs officials did not comment on the investigation.
