Calling Muhti

I need to understand something before I post about more Jockey Club stupidity.

As a stimulant in horses, what would be the "better" or "more effective" ingredient, COBALT or CAFFEINE?

.....caffeine would be regarded as a direct stimulant in that it increases heart rate, breathing and brain activity.....cobalt is an indirect stimulant....it increases appetite... increases metabolism by stimulating the endocrine system including thyroid function....it is also said to increase red blood cell activity in carrying more oxygen..... but not entirely proven.... ....cobalt being a trace element can be found in feeds and grasses but at very low levels.....as it is absorbed from soil....
.....Most B12 and some B Complex preparations are fortified with cobalt....

it was reported on sky news that cobalt has the same effect on horses as epo has on human athletes.trainers in the uk found guilty of using cobalt got a four year ban and a huge fine a few months ago.

.....I may add if the NHRA.....are hell bent in perusing action against the multiple of caffeine offences....but did not do the same for the cobalt cases....they are going about all wrong.....both these substances were said to be introduced through feed.....and cobalt is present in the B12 shots where they only now prescribe a lay off period before race days....one would think that the pharma company is being protected by the NHRA still sanctioning the use of B12 containing cobalt....those that can prove that they used caffeine contaminated feeds will have an extreme defense in any post NHRA litigation.....

I am hearing a rumour that the NHRA are persuing multiple trainers ( some say 13 some say 14)
because of Caffeine positives. The NHA acknowledge that the positives are due to a feed supply and independent testing of this food source has confirmed this.

My question is why is this being treated differently to the Cobalt positives? Is it perhaps because none of the chosen trainers are affected?

Over the Air wrote: I am hearing a rumour that the NHRA are persuing multiple trainers ( some say 13 some say 14)
because of Caffeine positives. The NHA acknowledge that the positives are due to a feed supply and independent testing of this food source has confirmed this.

My question is why is this being treated differently to the Cobalt positives? Is it perhaps because none of the chosen trainers are affected?

if true they are wasting their time - remember a few years ago a top dog food was contaminated and it killed a number of dogs - The owners all paid a premium for that food - I dont think it ever crossed the minds of the NSPCA to prosecute the dog owners for animal abuse - Common sense and banning the FEED SUPPLIER is the correct approach - If for some reason the water at a certain training area was contaminated with some drug and the horses came up positive would they have the same mindset?

Over the Air wrote: I am hearing a rumour that the NHRA are persuing multiple trainers ( some say 13 some say 14)
because of Caffeine positives. The NHA acknowledge that the positives are due to a feed supply and independent testing of this food source has confirmed this.

My question is why is this being treated differently to the Cobalt positives? Is it perhaps because none of the chosen trainers are affected?

....imvho it would be hard to prove that the NHRA is drawing lines to target one type of perpetrator over any other.....but I have said it before....the NHRA are going to open themselves to past liabilities where past caffeine offenders were fined and even warned off.... ..... they are foolish to try hold trainers liable if it can be proven that feed has been contaminated..... :oops:

Any ideas on the feed manufacturer?

....there may be more than one feed manufacturer....suggesting that an ingredient supplied to the feed industry was contaminated or not to specification.....

khargisland wrote: Any ideas on the feed manufacturer?

I have been told the source of the food is Milmac Animal Feeds, I must however state this is unconfirmed although three different sources have named them.

Over the Air wrote:

khargisland wrote: Any ideas on the feed manufacturer?

I have been told the source of the food is Milmac Animal Feeds, I must however state this is unconfirmed although three different sources have named them.

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.....Milmac appears to be a distributor and not a manufacturer/processor......

It wont be difficult to source the manufacturer then would it? As highlighted previously, testing of this food has confirmed that it is the source of the elevated caffeine levels.