Capsaicin positives investigated in Ontario

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario announced two more positives for the Class 2 drug capsaicin, bringing the total number this year in Ontario to 11, nine on the Thoroughbred side and two Standardbreds.

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Trainers have used it to stop horses from chewing on things such as bandages and cross ties.

In a Monday press release, the AGCO said there have been capsaicin positives in other jurisdictions in Canada as well, and an investigation into the rash of positives is being conducted.

The HBPA of Ontario has been conducting its own investigation into the positives, while representing the trainers involved. President Sue Leslie said in a Monday release: “The HBPA board does not believe anything nefarious has been done by any of these Thoroughbred trainers . . . this is surely unusual and indicative of a contamination issue or other possible sources.”

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency issued a notice to the racing industry in September 2019 that reminded veterinarians and horsemen that capsaicin is a prohibited substance due to its painkilling properties.

In an email to Daily Racing Form, CPMA representative James Watson said there have been no changes to the testing protocols for capsaicin.