The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit reported two more positives for metformin June 28 as the diabetes drug continues to show up in Thoroughbred racehorse test results.
On June 4, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority announced it would defer provisional suspensions of trainers over metformin positives until a thorough scientific review can be conducted. The change was recommended by HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Standing Committee.
Trainers involved in pending violations will not be given immediate suspensions, but the horses still face suspension and disqualification for the presence of the drug.
Many horsemen believe human-to-horse contamination is occurring because metformin is widely used to control diabetes. Some studies also suggest metformin can be used to increase stamina and promote recovery after high-intensity exercise.
The two new cases published on HIWU’s website June 28 involve trainers Greg Foley and James “Chuck” Lawrence II. The two cases have not been adjudicated.
Foley’s positive was for Camaro Z , who finished third in the $275,000 Audubon Stakes June 1 at Churchill Downs. The stakes-winning 3-year-old Liam’s Map colt is owned by Terry Stephens, Pravin Patel, and Tagg Team Racing. Camaro Z earned $26,500 in the Audubon, money which will be redistributed if the disqualification remains in place.
Lawrence’s positive was called on Cherished Wish , a 4-year-old Mshawish filly who finished second in a maiden claiming race May 23 at Penn National Race Course. The Jeremy Brooks homebred earned $5,250 in the race in question.
HISA has asked the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium’s Scientific Advisory Committee to conduct a review of the available science relating to metformin. Once the RMTC committee completes its work, which is expected to take a few months, HISA’s board is expected to determine whether any policy changes regarding metformin should be submitted to the Federal Trade Commission.
HISA has stated metformin remains a prohibited substance in this interim period. A positive test for metformin will result in the automatic disqualification of race results of the relevant horse. Also, horses that test positive are subject to provisional suspension.
BloodHorse was not able to contact Foley or Lawrence for comment during racing hours on Saturday.
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