Post by beauhunter on Jul 23, 2014 18:45:49 GMT
The Queen of England's Cartier-winning filly Estimate has test positive for trace amounts of morphine. In the interest of full disclosure however, it should be noted that horses belonging to other owners and in the barns of other trainers tested positive as well. Contaminated feed is suspected. From the Bloodhorse:
Queen's Horse Tests Positive for Morphine
By Blood-Horse Staff July 22, 2014 3:59 PM 49 CommentsRacing, International
Estimate, the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup (Eng-I) winner belonging to Queen Elizabeth II, has tested positive for the banned substance morphine, Buckingham Palace announced July 22.
The shocking development follows the news late last week that traces of morphine had been found in samples provided by five horses, Estimate among them. According to the Racing Post, it is thought the positive drug tests may have been a consequence of eating contaminated feed.
Estimate, a 5-year-old daughter of Monsun trained by Sir Michael Stoute, was presented with the Cartier Stayer Award in November.
In a statement reported by the Racing Post, John Warren, the Queen's bloodstock and racing advisor, said: "On Thursday July 17 the British Horseracing Authority announced that a number of post-race samples, obtained from recent race meetings, had been found to indicate the presence of morphine, which is a prohibited substance on race days. Five horses, under the care of various trainers, were affected.
"I can confirm that one of those horses was Estimate, the 5-year-old filly trained by Sir Michael Stoute and owned by The Queen. Initial indications are that the positive test resulted from the consumption of a contaminated feed product.
"Sir Michael is working closely with the feed company involved to discover how the product may have become contaminated prior to delivery to his stables.
"As the BHA investigates this matter, including potential links between the different cases, Sir Michael continues to offer his full cooperation. There will be no further comment until the BHA announces its considered findings. Her Majesty has been informed of the situation."
Read more on BloodHorse.com: www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/86319/queens-horse-tests-positive-for-morphine#ixzz38JnxfI8b
