Papaprodromou serving seven-day suspension for capsaicin positive

Southern California-based trainer George Papaprodromou has been suspended seven days after a filly he trained tested positive for the regulated substance capsaicin after winning a stakes race at Santa Anita in May, according to records of the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit.

Papaprodromou, who has won 29 races from 263 starts this year, is a one of handful of trainers to receive suspensions from HIWU over the past year due to a finding of capsaicin, a natural substance that is added to a number of over-the-counter supplements available to horsemen. HIWU has advised trainers to use extreme caution when administering supplements because the products are not regulated.

According to HIWU, Papaprodromou admitted to a rule violation. His suspension was reduced from 15 days to seven because of the admission.

Sneaker, a 4-year-old filly trained by Papaprodromou, tested positive after winning the May 24 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita. She was disqualified.

Papaprodromou began his suspension on Tuesday.

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