HIWU suspends two vets for possession of bisphosphonates

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has suspended two racetrack practitioners for possession of a number of banned substances, including bisphosphonates, according to rulings posted on the HIWU website.

Dr. Barbara Hippie and Dr. Scott Shell, who appear to practice in Ohio and West Virginia from internet records, were both cited for possession of bisphosphonates, a class of drugs that has been banned in Thoroughbred racing for several years because of concerns over their ability to weaken bone remodeling processes, especially when used on young horses.

Hippie also was alleged to have been in possession of sarapin, a biological extract that is used as a painkiller; a banned thyroid drug; and isoxsuprine, a banned vasodilator. Shell was cited for possession of gamma aminobutyric acid, which is often used as a muscle relaxant, as well as isoxsuprine. All are banned under HIWU rules that went into effect May 22.

Bisphosphonates can have long-term impacts on a horse’s bone strength. Under HIWU’s new rules, any horse that tests positive for bisphosphonates can face a lifetime ban, though HIWU also has said that trainers who provided documentation of the presence of bisphosphonates in a horse prior to March 27 of this year will not have sanctions levied against themselves or the horses.

The suspensions levied against Hippie and Shell are the first HIWU has handed down for possession of bisphosphonates. Possession of banned substances carries a recommended penalty of a two-year suspension for each charge.

Shell did not immediately return a message left for him at his clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and Hippie did not immediately respond to an email message.

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