Raz, I'm doing my best to try and pull this all together with the news blackout, but I think EPO is the substance that Ray Paulick (sic?) of The Bloodhorse was referring to when he quoted an anonymous trainer stating: "How can it be a banned substance if theres no test for it?".

EPO apparently can only be identified in the blood from "anti bodies". Its illegal in all racing jurisdictions but the problem appears to be a bona fide test to suspend a trainers rights. Apparently there is enough science to rescind a claim. I make it out to be "lower evidentiary requirement" stuff, like O.J. walking on the murders but being found liable of wrongful death in civil court.


Horses test positive for EPO in Texas, New York

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnewsarchive/ttodaysnewsviewarchive.asp?ArchiveDate=02/19/2003#30574

Still, the public should be aware of these antibody positives. All this does is prove once again the trainers and horsemen are shielded by the industry and the betting public is taken for granted.