More positives ...

Geri, pls refresh my memory, which horse Met day?

Guys I think something that has been overlooked is that Horses - like Humans - have different constitutions. What might pass thru one Horses system in 12 days, might take 20 in another. And I'm sure that the majority of cases are due to said instances.

Although new to the Horse game I have owned several greyhounds and such things have invertantly happened, to very 'straight' trainers - these things happen.

Short of extending the period to 21 days 'medicine free' - innocent mistakes will occassionally happen.

My tuppence - Jim.

Whistle for Joy

Jam there have been horses that break down in running that come froim stables that have tested positive- one day someone will die because of this and it will be too late - i have no problem with medication but running a horse on any form of pain killer should result in an immediate ban - we suspend bleeders why not suspend horses that have been found positive for pain medication

As I said Mr H - maybe the time needs to be extended to 21 days???

Well said MR H.

It not only jeopardises human lives, but is also an act of animal cruelty.

In human terms unsolicited assult, which would lead to jail time.

YH

or maybe vets and trainers should declare horse x has been treated with a pain killer before nominating - might be impractical though

Drugs do not make a horse run faster unless of couse its pajnkillers for sore horses but what the drugs definately do is give the horse incredible stamina especialy over ground

I have been away from the game for a long long time. Do they still have 'identity' checks prior to the race... as in making sure that the Apple is actually THE Apple? Surely a 'Med/treatment sheet' could accompany the horse stating what treatment the horse has had since its last run? I am not sure how this would help except perhaps prime the trainer/assistant or the course official that there may be a potential problem in running the horse.

What you supposed "experts" say about GvZ is absolute KAK. I can 100% categorically state that he has never knowingly given any banned substance to any of his horses in order to improve their performance. He was shocked & horrified to get the positive which he has no idea as to how it got into his runner. There are many people who have access to these animals before they run & it is possible that the horse was "got at".

I have to agree with Mark. No one will purposely give a horse "Flunixin" ( Finadyne as we call it here) for racing purposes. It is a strong, scheduled painkiller (anti-inflamitory) with multiple components and uses. It is very quick acting, doesn't last long but will test for about 2 weeks after use I would guess.

It also doesn't come over the counter so you would have to get it administered by a vet. These drugs that are resulting in positives are well known and in common use with horses for legitimate ailments.

I have to think that it's mistakes with dates or similar because the user knows he will test positive and the embarrassment is probably worse than the fine.

simple,bad stable management leads to these cock ups..maybe a trainer can help me out here but is it not law that any medication given to a horse has to be entered into a book which can be available to inspection by the stipes ..