BHA says decision has no direct bearing on the sport.

Byline: Edward Rosenthal

BHA SPOKESMAN Paul Struthers yesterday outlined why the FEI's decision to allow horses to compete while on currently prohibited substances has no bearing on racing, writes Edward Rosenthal.

Horses in training are allowed to be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as bute and flunixin, but must not race with the drugs present in their systems.

Struthers said yesterday: "The FEI's decision has no direct effect on British horseracing. I am not aware of any calls to make prohibited substances permissible on raceday.

"Although a drug may be licensed for use on horses in training, horses have to race drug-free in Britain. I do not see why anyone would want to choose any other path."

Struthers added: "The BHA tests around ten per cent of runners a year - that's about 9,000 horses - and any trainer who is found to be racing a horse on a prohibited substance faces disqualification."

In July 2005, the David Floodtrained Mossmann Gorge was withdrawn from a race at Newmarket after stewards ruled the horse had received an -intravenous injection in the racecourse stables.

Mossmann Gorge subsequently tested positive for bute and Flood was warned off for two years.

CAPTION(S):

Paul Struthers: horses have to race drug-free in Britain