Arizona Investigating Abnormal Test Results

Blood-Horse

The Arizona Department of Racing is looking into a possible cause for abnormal test results involving seven different racehorses that were euthanized during the current Turf Paradise 2014-15 meet, officials said April 7.

Officials said that during the current meet, more than 1,000 routine post-race blood samples have been tested by an independent laboratory with no signs of two specific prohibited substances. “However, seven horses that were euthanized on-track after being injured catastrophically during a race tested positive for those two prohibited substances,” a release from the Arizona Department of Racing said.

The substance wasn’t identified in the release.

Officials said the first positive sample was taken from a horse on Nov. 25, 2014, and the most recent positive result came from a horse on Feb. 23, 2015. All seven of the blood samples were taken post-mortem as is normal protocol for on-track euthanasia.

“It is believed that the cause of the prohibited substances may be linked to the euthanasia process,” officials said in the release. “At this time in the investigation, the horses appear to have no connection other than all being euthanized on track. There is no wrongdoing suspected by those involved with the horses, nor does it appear that the substances were being given to the horses prior to racing.

“The state is continuing to investigate these abnormal findings and is working closely with all those involved. All findings will be shared with state and federal officials for further review once the investigation is complete.”