Maker says hot walker might have used banned substance

Trainer Mike Maker said a hot walker might be responsible for a finding of diflunisal in one of his horses.

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit posted this week that Intermittent Fasting, a 4-year-old filly trained by Maker, tested positive for the banned anti-inflammatory after winning a Nov. 29 race at Churchill Downs.

Maker confirmed a BloodHorse report that after the substance was found in a B sample, he searched his barns and found that the filly's hot walker had a prescription of the medication, which is used to treat arthritis. He said in a text message to Horse Racing Nation that he provided the medication bottle to HIWU, and he told BloodHorse he will make an argument for contamination during a hearing before an arbitration panel.

"It seems pretty straightforward to me but, as you know, nothing is straightforward," Maker told Bloodhorse.

Diflunisal is used to treat mild to moderate pain, according to the BloodHorse report, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain.

Maker and owners Paradise Fams and David Staudacher claimed Intermittent Fasting in November 2023. In her first start for the new connections, the Tapwrit filly finished third in an optional-claiming allowance at Fair Grounds last march. She didn't return until the November win. She had one start since, a second in a starter allowance at Oaklawn in December, and has been working at Oaklawn.

This would be Maker's second medication violation since the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority came into effect, according to BloodHorse, and Maker faces a suspension of three to 24 months and a fine of as much as $25,000.