While most horsemen would never think of injecting their horses with prohibited substances close to race day, they may not think twice about the innocent tube of ointment in their tack box. The reality is that topical medications could also create a positive test result. Intact, healthy skin creates a strong barrier and may not absorb as much topical medication into the bloodstream. However, skin that is weakened by an issue, such as pastern dermatitis, could absorb more of the medication into the bloodstream, thereby causing a positive test result. It’s a good idea for horsemen on the backstretch to get into the routine of examining their topical medications closely before applying them to the horse near race-day.
Not only can a positive test result cause a media firestorm of bad press for a barn and its constituents, but the monetary fines are severe as well. For the first offense, the offender could be facing anywhere from a one to three year suspension and a fine between $10,000 and $25,000, or 25 percent of the purse. By the third lifetime offense, the trainer could be facing a minimum five-year suspension and a maximum of license revocation with no reapplication for a five-year period. As well as a minimum fine of $50,000 or 50 percent of the total purse (greater of the two) and a maximum of $100,000 or 100% of purse (greater of the two). The consequences for testing positive for banned substances in horse racing are serious. One positive result can ruin the careers of an entire training barn. Why risk it?
For the management of even the most minor skin conditions, like pastern dermatitis or sweet itch, try a non-prescription topical product that is guaranteed to be race-day safe: Zarasyl equine barrier cream. Made of Polyethylene Glycol 3350, Polyethylene Glycol 400, Propylene Glycol, Water, Phenoxyethanol, Polysilicic acid, and Sodium Chloride, Zarasyl’s formula contains no steroids or antibiotics. All ingredients are odorless, non-volatile, water miscible, chemically stable, non-irritating and non-toxic. Horsemen have reported successful management of summer sores, scratches, proud flesh and more with Zarasyl Equine Barrier Cream.
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