WELLINGTON, Fla. (AP) -- The U.S. Polo Association has quietly began random drug tests of polo horses, as the investigation continues in the sudden deaths of 21 prized ponies in South Florida.
The horses, belonging to a Venezuelan team, dropped dead in April as they stepped off trailers before a championship match. The state veterinarian has blamed the deaths on an overdose of a common mineral that helps muscles recover from fatigue. Before the match, they were given a concoction of vitamin supplements mixed by a local pharmacy.
A pilot testing program for mandatory blood and urine testing was expected to start in January, when 700 horses and hundreds of polo players are expected to return to South Florida for the start of their season. Sport officials approved the change last month.
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Information from: South Florida Sun Sentinel, http://www.sun sentinel.com
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
