US Polo Association to begin random drug tests after horses die at match in South Florida

Polo horses in US to undergo random drug tests

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Random drug tests will begin next year for horses in polo matches in the U.S. after the deaths of 21 elite horses in Florida that were injected with an incorrectly mixed supplement shortly before a championship match, the United States Polo Association said Wednesday.

The decision was made last month to begin a pilot program for testing horses starting in January, said association spokeswoman Amber Owen.

The Lexington, Ky.-based organization put together a committee to study the possibility of testing shortly after the South Florida deaths in April. The random testing will be mandatory.

Horses from the Venezuelan-owned Lechuza Caracas team began collapsing April 19 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington as they were unloaded from trailers before the match. Some died at the scene, others hours later.

Florida’s top veterinarian later ruled the deaths were caused by an overdose of a common mineral that helps muscles recover from fatigue. Dr. Thomas J. Holt said at the time that toxicology tests on the dead horses showed significantly increased selenium levels.

A Florida pharmacy that mixed the brew of vitamins and minerals for the team has acknowledged that the strength of selenium was incorrect in the product it delivered. The compound also contained vitamin B, potassium and magnesium, and is similar to a name-brand supplement known as Biodyl, which is used around the world in the sport to help horses recover from fatigue. It hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S.

The Lechuza horses had been injected with the compounded substance just hours before they began dying.

John Wash, president of club operations at the polo facility in Wellington, said he doesn’t see a need for drug testing, but is happy to support anything that will better the sport.

“I never knew of a problem in polo where testing was needed, but our goal has always been for the welfare of the rider and the horse,” Wash said Wednesday. “If somehow it can better the sport, than we’re in favor of it.”