Two IFHA committees are discussing drafting new rules and plan to present them to the body's executive council in October with the new rules potentially ratified by Jan. 1, Devolz said.

WSJ: Horse-Racing Body to Review Steroids Policy

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, or IFHA, is examining whether to recommend a total ban on administering steroids to horses, according to Roland Devolz, the IFHA's technical adviser on prohibited substances.

WSJ: Horse-Racing Body to Review Steroids Policy

But IFHA recommendations are ratified by each country member and Devolz said the body would publish the names of the countries that were unwilling to sign off on rules banning prohibited substances during training.

WSJ: Horse-Racing Body to Review Steroids Policy

"The ERA is an active member of the IFHA and constantly reviews its rules and regulations based upon the IFHA's International Agreement of which we are a signatory, " the authority said in an emailed statement.

WSJ: Horse-Racing Body to Review Steroids Policy

The France-based IFHA's international agreement on prohibited substances, of which the Emirates Racing Authority is a signatory, states that horses can be given medication such as steroids during training only if the animal has a "justifiable" medical condition.

WSJ: Horse-Racing Body to Review Steroids Policy

The recommendations of the IFHA, which has more than 60 member authorities from around the world, aren't binding on its members as each national authority sets its own rules based on the international body's recommendations in the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering.

WSJ: Horse-Racing Body to Review Steroids Policy