Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: Sept. 13, 2019
In response to multiple published reports concerning scopolamine contamination cases in 2018 in California and the manner in which they were handled, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium issued an informational bulletin on the Class 4 substance:
Scopolamine (also known as hyoscine) is conventionally used in human medicine for the prevention of motion sickness. It is available by prescription in tablet and transdermal patch formulations. It has also had limited use in conjunction with general anesthesia in reducing airway secretions. It is associated with side effects of dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea and dry mouth.
Scopolamine has limited historical use in equine veterinary medicine to relieve intestinal spasms in the treatment of gas colic. However, gastrointestinal side effects, potential toxicity and the development of safer, more effective medications have rendered its use as a therapeutic medication obsolete.
Scopolamine is an alkaloid present in Jimsonweed, a member of the poisonous plant species, Datura. Jimsonweed infests crop fields throughout North America and around the world. The live plant is associated with a strong odor and bitter taste, and animals tend to avoid its consumption unless other feed sources are unavailable.
Scopolamine has been detected in the blood and/or urine of animals having consumed hay containing Jimsonweed, as the odor and bitter taste dissipate during the hay curing process. Symptoms of scopolamine toxicity, as observed in horses having consumed Jimsonweed-contaminated hay, include dilated pupils and intestinal paralysis, and can persist for several days following ingestion.
The Association of Racing Commissioners International Uniform Classification of Foreign Substances has assigned scopolamine a 4/C classification. The alphanumeric system categorizes substances by pharmacologic effect (1-5) and penalty designation (A-D). Class 1 substances represent the greatest threat to the integrity of competition; Class 5 substances the lowest threat.
Class 4 drugs comprise primarily therapeutic medications routinely used in racehorses. They may influence performance, but generally have a more limited ability to do so, according to ARCI,
The ARCI Uniform Classification of Prohibited Substances is available here.
The alphabetical classifications include consideration of the pharmacologic classification (1-5) and additional factors such as the indications for medication use, potential for misapplication, and FDA-approval status. Class A is associated with the most severe penalties, whereas Class D is associated with lesser penalty recommendations.
The ARCI recommended penalties for a first time 4/C violation include a minimum fine of $1,000 (absent mitigating circumstances). In consideration of the facts of the case, the horse may be disqualified.
Scopolamine is on the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s list of permitted medications.
In its own statement, ARCI said if Class 4 (penalty Class C) substances are found in a post-race sample, the horse is to be disqualified and the owner loses the purse in the absence of mitigating circumstances. The exact language reads: “Disqualification and loss of purse in the absence of mitigating circumstances. Horse must pass commission-approved examination before being eligible to run.”
The ARCI has no direct knowledge of the specifics of the case involving Justify and does not assume the actions of the CHRB are inconsistent with the model rules standard. It is incumbent on the CHRB to release to the public as much information about why the recommended penalty mitigation was justified in order to lay to rest questions concerning this matter and to reinforce public confidence in its actions.
(Jimson weed photo courtesy of Pixabay)