EPO

[takeout]

http://opinions.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=14776

[Early]

I just want to know which horses are 'first time EPO'. Sounds like a good angle. Oh, there is a special designation 'first time Gill/Shuman'.

[Figman]

So far scientists studying EPO in equines cannot tell after a race if a horse was administered EPO for the first time. It takes at least three administrations before those different antibodies resulting from EPO administrations are identifiable in the blood. The most likely scenario will be banning all racehorses from competing that exhibit such antibodies just as all horses that have "swamp fever" antibodies are currently banned from competition. Unfortunately, with a claiming horse it may have been the trainer two or three ownerships back that administered the EPO and the current owner-trainer takes the blame and is screwed by not being allowed to enter his horse!
An ever bigger problem then EPO is first time "shock-wave" therapy but that is another subject for another discussion.