The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) has issued a reminder to the Canadian horse racing community regarding the testing for capsaicin and isoflupredone in official samples.
Reminder: Testing for Capsaicin and Isoflupredone
The CPMA would like to remind trainers, owners, veterinarians, and other stakeholders that testing for capsaicin and isoflupredone remains a key part of the Equine Drug Control Program.
To reduce the risk of a positive test, the CPMA offers the following guidelines:
Capsaicin
- Avoid administering or feeding oral supplements or products containing capsaicin within 48 hours of a race.
- Do not feed cayenne pepper or other spices to racehorses.
- Stop using topical products (e.g., ointments, liniments) with capsaicin at least 48 hours before a race.
- Check the ingredient list of any supplements given to ensure they do not contain capsaicin.
Isoflupredone
- Note that the new elimination guideline for a 10 mg IA / single dose of isoflupredone is six days. Intramuscular use is no longer advised due to its variable and prolonged elimination.
- Detection of capsaicin or isoflupredone outside these guidelines may result in a positive test.
The CPMA strongly advises consulting a veterinarian before administering any supplements or medications to racehorses.