News
Doctors Comment On Kentucky Red
Trot Insider has spoken with Doctors Ian Moore, Mike Weber and Paul Hogan in regard to the recent Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency announcement that the detection of Carbazochrome Salicylate (aka 'Kentucky Red') in tests beginning August 10, 2007 will call for a positive test.
Carbazochrome is used for the systemic control of capillary bleeding associated with increased capillary permeability. In the form Carbazochrome Salicylate, it is known as Kentucky Red. It is reportedly used in horses to treat certain respiratory problems such as Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhaging (E.I.P.H).
Dr. Moore (also an accomplished trainer), Dr. Weber (Manager, Veterinary Services Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, Equine Drug Evaluation Centre) and Dr. Hogan (Director of Racing, Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission) all took time to comment on the situation. Dr. Moore, who stated right off the bat that he doesn't condone the use of illegal medications and wants a level playing field in the racing industry, had much to say about the issue. His italicized words appear below:
"The CPMA and Agriculture Canada have done a tremendous job over the course of the past couple of years in regard to drug testing and the control of illegal medications in Canada, and because of their efforts Canada is now considered a worldwide leader in that regard. Their efforts are well respected across our country, and by myself, also. However, a recent decision to call positive tests for Carbazochrome (aka 'Kentucky Red') will cause tremendous hardship in areas of the country where lasix (Furosemide) cannot be used for the particular problem of E.I.P.H. (lung bleeders), including all of the Atlantic provinces.
"There are many, young, sound, competitive horses that for various, untreatable reasons have been diagnosed with having Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhaging. There are also many older, class equine athletes that have been exposed to their fair share of environmental contaminants and are also now lung bleeders.
"Under the current CPMA guidelines, lasix cannot viably be used in Atlantic Canada, and one of the drugs that has been used with some success is Carbazochrome. This drug has no other affect on horses other than it might help control lung bleeding. Carbazochrome doesn't stimulate or make horses faster, it just better allows them to race more consistently and true to their genetic potential every week. It allows many horses to live a youthful life with the chronic, incurable, but perhaps manageable lung condition that they have, much like human asthma.
"In New York, Amicar is now able to be used on bleeders. In Canada, Clotol (Butyl Alcohol) is no longer made commercially, so it leaves very little options for the Atlantic provinces. I would urge the CPMA not only to consider their position on Carbazochrome, but also to consider allowing a drug like that to be used legally on horses in the Atlantic region, where lasix cannot be used. Not only would this enhance the racing horse population in the region, but it would also stop people from spending hundreds of dollars on products of questionable efficacy and would extend the careers and endurance of the lives of many E.I.P.H. horses."