A reminder on the testing of horses in Canada

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) has issued a notice to the Canadian horse racing industry reminding participants about the testing of capsaicin and isoflupredone in official samples.

The notice appears below.

A reminder on the testing of capsaicin and isoflupredone in official samples

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) would like to remind trainers, owners, veterinarians and other stakeholders that the testing for the presence of capsaicin and isoflupredone continues under the Equine Drug Control Program.

To minimize the risk of a positive test in their racehorse(s), the CPMA provides the following recommendations:

Capsaicin

Ensure that oral supplements or other oral products containing capsaicin are not administered or fed within 48 hours of a race;

Do not feed cayenne pepper or other spices to a horse;

Discontinue applications of topical products (e.g. ointments, liniments) that contain capsaicin within 48 hours of a race; and review the ingredients list for any supplements given to racehorses for the presence of capsaicin.

Isoflupredone

A reminder that the new elimination guideline for a 10 mg IA / single dose of isoflupredone is six days. The intramuscular use is no longer recommended due to the variable and extended elimination of isoflupredone by this route.

Any detection of capsaicin and isoflupredone outside these guidelines may result in a positive test.

The CPMA strongly recommends consulting a veterinarian on any decision to administer supplements or medications to a racehorse.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact CPMA by telephone at 1-800-268-8835 or by email at aafc.cpmawebacpm.aac@agr.gc.ca.

From the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency