SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., March 31 (UPI) -- Five employees of the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway in New York were charged this week with doping horses in order to fix harness races at the posh racetrack.
Prosecutors told the New York Post that Friday's indictments, which focused on the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs like snake venom, represented an attempt to maintain the sport's integrity at the prestigious track.
"We need to ensure the integrity of harness racing for the betting public," Saratoga County prosecutor James Murphy said.
Racetrack employees Marc Mosher, Robert Moscone, Carl Forrester, William Barrack and his son Keith Barrack now face charges of several counts doping and race-fixing charges related to a series or 2006 races, the report said.
The Post said the prosecution's investigation, which began last September, has also resulted in the New York State Racing and Wagering Board suspending four of the men's grooming licenses.
