Horse racing notes: Churchill Downs limits toe grabs at its four tracks

Churchill Downs Inc. has instituted a new policy that bans toe grabs longer than 2 millimeters at each of the company's four tracks.

The ban, which goes into effect immediately, follows new suggested guidelines set forth by several horse racing committees, including the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

The devices have been used on tracks for decades to help horses gain traction on the dirt.

They have come under fire recently after experts found accumulation of mud under toe grabs while running puts too much pressure on the bones in a horse's front legs.

CDI owns Churchill Downs, Arlington Park outside Chicago, Calder Race Course in Miami and Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

New York toughens steroids policy

New York toughened its steroids policy for racehorses Tuesday, following the lead of the two other states that hold Triple Crown races.

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board said the new rules take effect Jan. 1 at all Thoroughbred and standardbred tracks in the state. That includes Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. The new rules set limits for steroids that are permitted. Prompted by intense national scrutiny of horse racing after the death of Eight Belles following the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky and Maryland moved quickly to institute steroids restrictions.

Associated Press