Hong Kong – A press conference with FEI Secretary General Alexandre McLin, FEI Jumping Committee member Sven Holmberg and Associate member of the Veterinary Commission Paul Farrington was held to answer questions surrounding the announcement of four positive doping tests. It was recently announced that the banned substance capsaicin was found in each of the following horses:
Bernardo Alves (BRA) Chupa Chup
Christian Ahlmann (GER) Coster
Denis Lynch (IRL) Latinus
Tony Andre Hasen (NOR) Camiro
Capsaicin is a derivative of chili pepper and used in both humans and horses producing a burning sensation and pain relief. Typically applied as either a topical lotion or paste, it disappears quickly as it is rapidly absorbed by the blood. It was added two years ago to the list of tested substances here at the Hong Kong Jockey Club though positive testing as a result of its application has been very rare.