In a stunning admission that has sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, top trainer John Gosden has revealed that he administered ketamine to horses under his care, including the celebrated mare Enable.
Controversial Confession
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is now investigating after Gosden openly discussed using the powerful anaesthetic on his stable of racehorses. While ketamine is permitted for veterinary use in certain circumstances, its application in competitive sport raises serious ethical questions.
Enable's Legacy Under Scrutiny
The revelation is particularly shocking as it involves Enable - one of the most successful racehorses in modern history. The dual Arc winner and multiple Group 1 champion was the pride of British racing during her glittering career from 2017 to 2020.
Medical Justification or Performance Enhancement?
Gosden maintains the drug was used strictly for legitimate medical purposes, stating: "We only ever used ketamine for specific veterinary cases where it was clinically indicated." However, critics argue that even therapeutic use of such substances could potentially mask underlying issues and affect performance.
Racing's Ongoing Doping Battle
This controversy comes at a sensitive time for British racing, with the sport working hard to maintain its integrity amid growing scrutiny of medication practices. The BHA has emphasised that all treatments must be fully documented and justified, with any misuse potentially leading to severe penalties.
As investigations continue, the racing world waits anxiously to see whether this admission will tarnish the legacy of one of its greatest modern champions and what implications it may have for medication policies moving forward.
