procaine

Question
i read todd pletcher got suspended for using procaine why is this drug illegal and why was he using it.

Answer
Hello Andy,

Sorry it took so long to get back with you. I have been away from my computer.

Procaine is an anesthetic and a controlled substance. It is only available by prescription so it is illegal to posses this drug without a doctors supervision and it's illegal to use for something other than intended for.

The third reason it's illegal is because drugs are illegal in horse racing. Any substance that test positive in the blood or urine of a horse that is not naturally occurring in it's body is banned. This is the rule in Maryland and a similar rule is share among all other tracks. This said, traces of what is classified and a "therapeutic medication" is sometimes allowed.

Many trainers use these drug for their effect or even side effects. They try to get away with as much as possible but enough that will not test positive if the horse is checked.

There is really no level playing field in the U.S. when it comes to using banned substances. Canada is one of the few racing jurisdictions that have very through testing and it's hard to get aways with cheating there. They have a more advanced program and less politics when it comes to drug testing.

I hesitate to speculate what Pletcher was using Procaine for, since I do not know and have no proof. My best guess is he was blocking pain in the back or legs or even feet. He continues to use these type of illegal substances and is still allowed to hold a trainers license and stay in business. He is not the only one, but all you can do is get better horses and train harder the all natural way.

Christopher Crocker

Crocker Racing Stable and Thoroughbred Horse Racing Partnerships