CCTV installed against horse doping

Story link: CCTV installed against horse doping by Alan Harten

Doping is a growing problem at equestrian events and Lord Stevens is taking action to make sure that the sport is clean before the upcoming 2012 Olympics take place.

One of his actions, meant to help clean up the sport and rid it of its drug problems, is the introduction of increased security measures such as CCTV at the venues where the horse races take place.

After an event in Beijing which sullied the reputation of equestrian horsing, Lord Stevens hopes placing CCTV and similar systems in the horse stables will keep control of the riders and jockeys.

Thus, the government and police can rest assured that all participants are legally taking part in the activities and that those who are not are properly punished.

In Beijing four horses had to be disqualified after it was discovered that they had been doped before the finale at the Olympics in 2008.

Lord Stevens said in a statement that they are aware people will not initially be receptive to the idea of placing CCTV in the stables and other areas of the venues, but that the racing administration and the government still feels that this is the best and only way to tackle the problem.

He said that if the proposals for CCTV in the stalls are passed, he is sure that the government and the Met can clean up the sport well before the Olympics.