Breeders' Cup Horses Test Clear of Prohibited Drugs

All samples collected from Breeders' Cup-participating horses have been cleared by the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California, Davis, according to the California Horse Racing Board.

All horses competing in Breeders' Cup races Nov. 5-6 at Del Mar were tested for TCO2 levels in their blood, testing meant to discourage a practice known as "milkshaking." Post-race testing was also performed for prohibited drugs on the first four finishers in all Breeders' Cup races and any additional random horses selected by the stewards consistent with CHRB protocol. Post-race testing was done on both blood and urine samples.

The Maddy Laboratory's standard protocols look for a wide variety of compounds of concern for racing integrity, such as anabolic steroids, beta2-agonists (bronchodilators), selective androgen receptor modulators, erythropoietin, and other similar doping agents. All post-race samples were tested for cobalt. 

The Maddy Laboratory further cleared samples on 69 horses that competed in undercard races.

There were no equine fatalities, nor any observable injuries to the horses during races, according to the CHRB.

Some horses were scratched at the starting gate, including one prematurely by a regulatory veterinarian—Modern Games . Placed back into the race, he won Friday's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) when racing for purse money only.

Carl Woods, an assistant starter injured in the starting gate before the Juvenile Turf, informed the CHRB that he is fine and back to work.