The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms a Prohibited Substance finding. 

The presence of Furosemide, a loop diuretic classified as a Class 4 prohibited substance, was disclosed upon analysis of a specimen taken from INFINITY EDGE after the running of Race 1 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse on 14 June 2025.  

The Trainer responsible, Mr M D Miller, exercised his rights in terms of the Rules and requested that a DNA parentage test be conducted at Equine Research Centre (ERC), University of Pretoria. The ERC confirmed that the specimen provided matched the DNA profile of INFINITY EDGE.  Furthermore, Mr M D Miller requested that the reference specimen be sent to LGC, Newmarket, United Kingdom, for confirmatory analysis.  The NHA subsequently received written confirmation from LGC that the specimen was analysed and the prohibited substance, Furosemide, was present, unequivocally confirming the NHA Laboratory’s initial findings. 

Furosemide is a potent diuretic commonly used in equine veterinary medicine to reduce fluid retention and decrease the risk of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (“bleeding”), a condition where horses bleed into their lungs during intense exertion. However, the use of furosemide may also lead to significant weight loss through increased urination, which can artificially enhance performance. 

Mr M D Miller elected to sign an Admission of Guilt for a contravention of Rule 73.2.4 and the penalty of a fine of R25 000 was imposed. 

Furthermore, INFINITY EDGE is accordingly disqualified from the race in terms of Rule 72.3.2. 

When assessing penalty, careful consideration was given to the class of substance, the Trainer’s clean penalty record of prior prohibited substance contraventions during the last five-year period, the concentration of the prohibited substance in the specimen, and the status of the race. 

A D Hyde

Racing Control Executive