Horses Fed Viagra in Illegal Italian Horse Betting Scheme
29 01 2008
Gees, it seems like just a few days ago that I posted about Greyhounds being fed Viagra to improve their racing performance in Ireland, now it’s horses in Italy.
Two vets and a pharmacist were among 24 people arrested by police in Naples yesterday over claims that they fed Viagra to horses running in illegal races to make them go faster.
The arrests were part of a wider investigation into clandestine racing and betting in southern Italy. Police said horse owners and jockeys had also been arrested during the latest raids.
Prosecutors in Naples have been trying to stamp out illegal horse racing, which takes place on public race courses after hours and attracts hundreds of gamblers. Stolen horses are often used. Some are fed powdered Viagra or other stimulants to improve their performances.
guardian.co.uk
