The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) provides the following recommendations to assist horsepersons and minimize 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 positive test for glaucine. The use of 100% pine shavings is a safer choice.

Compounded medications, supplements and 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.

Cobalt salts & vitamin B12:

  • Discontinue all supplements within 48 hours of the race. This will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of a positive test.
  • 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 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 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.

The CPMA  strongly recommends that you:

Consult your veterinarian on any decision to administer supplements or medications to a horse.
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If you have any questions, please contact the CPMA at 1-800-268-8835 or aafc.cpmawebacpm.aac@canada.ca

Tags: bedding, Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, Cannabis, Capsaicin, cobalt, prescriptions,

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