Contaminated hay behind failed dope tests in Vilamoura

The riders of two horses who failed dope tests while competing at Vilamoura in Portgual have been disqualified after it was found the positive tests were caused by contaminated hay bought at the venue.
The two horses both tested positive for sparteine, which is used to treat cardiac arrhythmia and stimulate uterine contractions, but which can also cause circovascular collapse.
The two riders, one British and one Brazilian, told the FEI they only bought hay from the show organisers during the event last February and March respectively.
Since 2017 the FEI Tribunal ruled that: “Sparteine is found in common broom or Scotch broom and the predominant alkaloid in lupin flower. Neither plant is a common contaminant in feed substances, but clearly could be a feed contaminant, especially in certain countries, where the lupin flower grows“.
Both horses competed at the same competition in Portugal. Lupin flower grows in many parts of Portugal and the seeds have a common use in Portugal as a snack. The FEI therefore believes there is a high likelihood of some kind of contamination during the competition.
Source: St.Georg