Maker Cited for Banned Drug Diflunisal

Trainer Mike Maker is facing his second medication violation since the implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority following a positive test result for the banned anti-inflammatory medication diflunisal. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug showed up in Paradise Farms and David Staudacher's Tapwrit filly Intermittent Fast after she won a $50,000 claiming race Nov. 29, 2024, at Churchill Downs. The filly, now 4, was making her second start for the owners and Maker after they claimed her just over a year earlier for $50,000. After the B sample from the filly confirmed the presence of diflunisal, Maker said he did a search of his six barns and found, what he believes, is a explanation for the positive test. One of his hot walkers is taking the medication for arthritis. He said he'll try making an argument for contamination during his hearing before an arbitration panel. "It seems pretty straightforward to me but, as you know, nothing is straightforward," Maker said. Diflunisal is used to treat mild to moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. This drug is not one of the NSAIDs approved by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HISA's testing and regulatory arm) as a controlled substance for therapeutic use. Maker is facing a suspension ranging from three months to 24 months depending his assessed degree of fault in the violation. He also faces a fine up to $25,000.