Papaprodromou is suspended 7 days for capsaicin positive

Trainer George Papaprodromou began serving a seven-day suspension Tuesday because of a positive finding of capsaicin in a filly after a May 24 victory.

The 4-year-old filly, Sneaker, was disqualified and must forfeit all proceeds from the race, according to a post on the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit website.

Papaprodromou, who admitted the violation, also was fined $1,000.

Capsaicin is an active component in many peppers and is responsible for their hot, irritant properties, according to the HIWU website. Many horsemen use pepper pastes, hot sauce and similar products to discourage horses from chewing on bandages or stall doors. But the substance is prohibited because it also has an analgesic effect. It often is included in topical pain-relief products such as creams, ointments, liniments, braces and patches.

Sneaker, a daughter of Oscar Performance, was disqualified from her win in the black-type Fran's Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita. She led at every call and won by 2 1/4 lengths. She is 0-for-2 since.