This weekend, Big Brown, already the champ of both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, has the chance to don the elusive triple crown — only 11 horses have done it before — if he noses first across finish line at the Belmont Stakes. And if he does, he’ll do it without juice.
According to The New York Times, Big Brown’s trainer, Rick Dutrow, said the horse “had not received the anabolic steroid Winstrol since April 15, when he was stabled in Florida.” Speaking to the Times, Dutrow said, “The horse had been doing so good, and is doing so good, I don’t want to screw things up. I haven’t changed any routine.”
Juicing is legal for horses
The use of anabolic steroids is permitted in 28 of the 38 states where horse races take place. However, just because injecting horses with steroids is permitted doesn’t mean the practice isn’t frowned upon. Although horses won’t be stripped of medals like Olympic athletes, critics tend to dismiss the accomplishments of horses known to be juiced by their trainers.
Alternative horse therapy
That’s why a growing number of horse trainers are turning to alternative medicine and training techniques to to keep their steeds sound. Some trainers even employ ancient Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and herbal remedies. Read about the fascinating alternative equine treatments in NATURE’s “Horse and Rider.”
The dangers of doping for humans
World class athletes may rely on steroids to reach peak performance, but the long term effects — liver tumors, testicular atrophy, development of abnormal breast tissue in males and masculinizing effects in females (increased body hair, deepening of voice) — can be devastating. Read a primer on the effects of steroids at SECRETS OF THE DEAD: DOPING FOR GOLD.
Training tips for athletes
- Steroids Fact Sheet from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Nutrition without steroids
