The use of products with performance-enhancing capabilities is widespread in the showjumping world, according to an experienced equestrian trainer.
Four Olympic showjumpers have tested positive to a muscle relaxant with banned properties, but that could be the tip of the iceberg, according to the trainer, who wished to remain anonymous.'I wouldn't be surprised if it was as high as 80 per cent,' the trainer said yesterday. 'There are a lot of products or concoctions that are not going to swab [positive for drugs].'
Four of 15 showjumpers tested positive for capsaicin, a drug that creates a hot and sore sensation. When applied to a horse's legs, they become hypersensitive to hitting a jump.
One B-sample began the testing procedure yesterday, while the other three will begin the procedure today. The FEI said 60 horses would be tested, 20 from each of the three disciplines, meaning that an additional five showjumpers are undergoing analysis from the competition, which finished on Thursday night.
The trainer said he and others believed that 'to be caught at the Olympics with what they were using is silly' because of the availability of other products that had a similar effect with less chance of being detected.
One is Finalgon, which has an active ingredient called nonivamide - similar to capsaicin.
