By: Glen Mohammed

PRECISE MOMENT, has become the first horse to return a positive sample since threshold levels were introduced. The levels became law on April 2, 2015.
The Shaffique Khan-trained creole tested positive for Furosemide (Lasix), which is administered to horses entered to race four hours before their race. His sample was in excess by 188 nanogram per millilitre (ng/ml) threshold which exceeds the threshold level of 100 ng/ml. This drug infraction carries a fine and a suspension of zero to one month if found guilty of a drug infraction.
The six-year-old dark/bay gelding ridden Keshan Balgobin won the fourth race on Day 12, beating Maximus over 1,000 metres. Painted Buddha was the first horse to test positive for lasix, but threshold levels were not implemented at that time.
The gelding will not be allowed to race until the hearing is heard before the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority’s (TTRA) board. The TTRA has been without a board since last year. Trainer Khan said he cannot explain how his horse tested positive lasix. He stated no trainer would use lasix in excess of what is administered by the race day veterinarian. He reviewed the recorded video of horses going for lasix to see whether Precise Moment was taken twice to the lasix barn, but could not determine if his horse was administered the drug twice. In the past, one of his horses was administered lasix twice on the same day and was therefore scratched.
Here are the horses who samples were cleared for Days 12 and 13.

Day 12: Lady Felisha; Mischief Maker; Theradioannouncers; Root Of Jessie; D’Prodigal; Heat Of The Moment; Masterpiece.

Day13: Layla; Kentucky Woman; Cover You Donkey; Always Ready; Hestouchabull; Magical Victory; Free Passage; Luminium.