THE SIDELINES : Race Track Drug Tests Banned

The state may have an interest in protecting the integrity of the horse racing industry, but it doesn’t have the authority to require random drug testing of people who work at tracks, a divided federal appeals court ruled.

The American Civil Liberties Union, acting on behalf of track workers, had challenged Illinois Racing Board regulations that called for random testing of jockeys and other personnel at state race tracks.

In a 2-1 decision, the appeals court upheld a February, 1988, U.S. District Court ruling blocking the racing board from enforcing its rules.

“There are good and valid reasons to strive to keep drugs out of horse racing but, as important as that is, that cannot be accomplished by disregarding the Constitution,” the court said in the majority opinion written by Judge Harlington Wood Jr.

The ruling will have no effect on racing in California, where there is no random drug testing.