Positive drugs tests for steroids shock horse racing in India

Written by SHAILENDRA AWASTHI, Times of India

MUMBAI — In a development that sent shockwaves through the racing fraternity, three top horses-Ocean and Beyond, Star Future and Eloise-belonging to three top trainers at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse have tested positive for the prohibited substance ‘boldenone’.

The substance was detected in the urine samples of the horses taken after their top-three position finish in the first two classic races of the Mumbai Season last month.

Ocean and Beyond, India’s leading colt, and Star Future had finished first and second, respectively, in the Indian 2000 Guineas run on December 19. Eloise, one of the top-rated fillies , had come in third in the Indian 1000 Guineas run on December 12. It’s the first time that three leading horses from the stables of acclaimed trainers , including Pesi Shroff, have come under the scanner.

About Boldenone

Boldenone is a synthetic anabolic steroid used as a growth promoter in meat production and also as a performance enhancer in horse racing.

Sold under the trade names Equipoise, Ganabol, Equigan and Ultragan, Boldenone was developed for veterinary use, mostly for treatment of horses.

Boldenone is prescribed by veterinarians for horses who are physically debilitated, underweight, malnourished, run-down or in otherwise poor physical condition after disease or periods of overexertion. In horses, boldenone produces its effects quickly; after only one or two injections (dosages depend on the horse’s body weight), this steroid stimulates the appetite (causing weight gain), increases lean muscle mass and restores the natural quality of the horse’s hair. Boldenone has caused increased aggression in horses.

Boldenone is not indicated for use in humans. However, it is readily available on the internet without prescription, and appears highly popular with bodybuilders, among other human athletes.

Equipoise is made by Fort Dodge, Mexico, a division of Wyeth.