New York racing regulators have amended rules, originally set to take effect today (Dec. 12), on the use of clenbuterol and methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol) in Thoroughbred racehorses.

The decision by the state Racing and Wagering Board, based upon a revised set of recommendations from a task force on equine safety, pushes back the drug administration rules until Dec. 26 and relaxes the time period restrictions for when the drugs can be administered.

The rules set to go into effect Dec. 12 were adopted on an emergency basis in October following recommendations from the equine task force created in the wake of a high number of horse deaths at Aqueduct last winter.

The board in October banned use of the bronchodilator clenbuterol 21 days before a race; the revised rule lowers it to 14 days. The October emergency rule affecting administration of the corticosteroid Depo-Medrol is changing from 15 days to seven days before a race. The changes affect the state’s four Thoroughbred racetracks: Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack