LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The co-owner of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown said his stable will be drug free by the end of the year, and is encouraging other horse owners to follow suit.

Michael Iavarone said IEAH Stables will take its horses off steroids and every other racing medication besides Lasix in an effort to restore the public's confidence in the sport.

Iavarone says he felt compelled to adopt the policy after a Congressional hearing last week in which owners, veterinarians and industry officials expressed the need to clean up racing.

National Thoroughbred Racing Association CEO Alex Waldrop calls the move a positive step and is a sign of a growing consensus within the sport to become more transparent.