Antidoping controls were implemented during the past Triple Crown in Argentina for the first time ever. But what does this change imply? Up to date, polo was the only equestrian sport that didn’t include antidoping tests in its rules.
Argentine polo is the best in the world, and so are the horses. However, some rules related with the care and welfare of the horses were more flexible. So, Argentina has been left behind from the implementation of these controls in the last years. But in the past years, it was decided to include these controls in competitive polo. On that effect, PoloLine spoke to Inés Morikawa, a veterinarian of the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association, to explain more about this important issue.
How is the procedure of the antidoping control?
Well, it was decided to start making these antidoping controls in the three finals of the Triple Crown, this year – that means, Hurlingham, Tortugas and Palermo. The procedure is as follows – before the start of a match, two players from each team are eligible. Then, we choose two horses, one per player, numbering from 1 to 8 in their lists; and also the horses in the waiting, always according to a number. Once players and horses have been chosen, a sample is taken. When a sample is taken, we have people from the laboratory and different associations, and everything is very well documented.
The Jockey Club provides their remarkable laboratory, which is highly renowned in Latin America and around the world, due to their procedures and guidebooks; we trust their knowledge and their experience. They are used to make antidoping controls on thoroughbred racing horses, but it’s different, so we adapted those controls to polo. And to achieve that, we took advice with the chief of the service, Alberto Costa. Together, we set a plan up, especially for polo, using specific drugs.
What are the differences with other antidoping controls?
With regards to drugs we are looking for, we are searching for cardiotonics, which are drugs that stimulate the heart more – I mean, we we know the temperatures are high, the grounds are demanding, a final is very demanding. So that’s shy we look for cardiotonics, stimulants or bronchodilators, that encourage the horse to breath more; also, anaesthetics. If a horse has a pain and doesn’t feel it, it could be very dangerous for both the player and the horse. There’s a risk that a horse can suffer an injury or even fall on the ground, and that puts a lot of danger for the health of the horse and the player. The idea is going step by step, adding other drugs every year.
How about if a positive doping is found? Which are the sanctions?
On that regards, the concept is the same – we are going slowly, building, raising awareness. If there’s a positive doping this year, there will be a warning for the player, who will receive a letter in order to explain that it’s not reasonable to apply whatever. There are certain drugs that are specifically for the horses and they are being searched. Next year, the sanctions will be harder.
Was the antidoping control well received?
As happens with everything new, there’s always some resistance with regards to the complications to handle it, and really is otherwise. This obliges to take better care of the horses, without medication. It’s been done for years, but we proposed a change to improve. We are very proud, we have the service provided by the Jockey Club laboratory which, as I said, it’s renowned on a worldwide level.