A Reminder on the Recommendations on Reducing the Risk of a Positive Test in Racehorses
June 7, 2022
As the 2022 racing season is gearing up, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) is reminding trainers, owners, veterinarians and other stakeholders of the following recommendations to assist them in minimizing the risk of a positive test in their racehorse(s):
Human prescription medications and/or non-prescription supplements
- Do not let racehorses, their feed, supplements or equipment come into contact with human medications or supplements.
- Prohibit people from urinating or spitting in stalls.
- Ensure that people wash their hands immediately after touching or taking medications, and before touching a racehorse or associated equipment.
Bedding
- Ensure that tulip poplar and related wood is not used when bedding horses on shavings. This may result in a glaucine positive test. The use of 100% pine shavings is a safer choice.
Compounded medications, supplements and other natural products
- Do not apply the CPMA’s Elimination Guidelines to compounded medications because their elimination from the horse may be different from that of an approved veterinary medication.
- Only feed horses supplements prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Read labels carefully to ensure that products do not contain prohibited substances.
Cobalt salts & vitamin B12
- Discontinue all supplements at least 48 hours before a race. This will reduce but not eliminate the risk of a positive test result.
- Keep in mind that longer withdrawal times may be required for horses that have received repeated doses of cobalt-containing supplements and vitamin B12 because cobalt levels can build up, resulting in elevated levels for prolonged periods of time.
- Cease any use of multiple supplements containing cobalt or vitamin B12.
Cannabis
- Do not use supplements or products derived from cannabis (e.g. CBD oil and supplements, hemp oil) on horses.
- Do not use or allow cannabis products around horses.
- Wash hands immediately after touching or taking cannabis products and before touching a racehorse or associated equipment.
Capsaicin
- Ensure that oral supplements or other oral products containing capsaicin are not administered or fed at least 48 hours before a race.This will reduce but not eliminate the risk of a positive test result.
- Do not feed cayenne pepper or other spices to a horse.
- Discontinue applications of topical products (e.g. ointments, liniments) that contain capsaicin at least 48 hours before a race.
The CPMA strongly recommends that you
- Consult your veterinarian on any decision to administer supplements or medications to a horse.
- Subscribe to receive Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency email notifications by sending an email to cpma-notifications-acpm-subscribe-request@www.agr.gc.ca. Leave the subject line and body blank.
If you have any questions, please contact the CPMA at 1-800-268-8835 or aafc.cpmawebacpm.aac@agr.gc.ca