The horse racing industry is taking a closer look at a relaxant that produces optimum results when administered within a few hours of a race.

The drug, gamma-aminobutyric acid (or GABA), was banned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2012. The substance, a supplement also known as "Carolina Gold," was found by USEF research to have "many adverse reactions" in horses.

GABA is an amino acid natural to a horse’s system. At higher levels it has a calming effect that can conserve a horse’s energy prior to a race.

Attorney Alan Foreman, chairman of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association who has experience in USEF drug cases, said March 27 if too much GABA is administered, "a horse will drop." He said the substance must be administered intravenously

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