The Louisiana State Racing Commission medication committee has asked the full commission to ban the use and possession of the blood-doping substances erythropoietin (EPO) and darbepoietin, as well as consider measures aimed at random pre-race testing for carbon dioxide caused by “milkshakes” (alkalizing agents).

In the statement released by the racing commission, the rules under consideration would prohibit from racing any horse whose blood tests positive for the presence of EPO antibodies until such time as the horse tests negative. Additionally, a considered amendment to the claiming rule would allow a successful claimant to void a claim on any horse testing positive for the presence of EPO antibodies. (Learn about EPO testing for its antibodies here.)

“The medication committee has been active the last several months on several issues,” committee chairman Tom Grimstad, MD, said in a statement. “All of these issues pertain to the testing and identification of substances, intended to enhance animal performance that alters unfairly the results of racing in Louisiana.

“In addition, the medication committee emphasizes that every horse eligible to race in Louisiana will be subject to random testing, both on and off track, and pre-race evaluation to possibly include testing for elevated levels of total dissolved carbon dioxide