Launch for Bute's substitute

All punters are familiar with racing's biggest sharks - they carry a satchel and offer prices - but a product launched yesterday may bring benefits to the sport thanks to the variety with teeth and an appetite for meat, writes Greg Wood.

Consisting purely of shark cartilage, Cartequine is a natural alternative to Bute, the anti-inflammatory drug which will assist the performance of many runners at Saturday's Breeders' Cup in New York.

The product has similar effects to Bute, albeit over a longer period of time, typically 17-21 days. A study in the United States found that it reduced joint and tendon swelling and inflammation, as well as promoting hoof growth. No side effects were reported and, being entirely natural in origin, Cartequine will not produce any unfortunate results in post- race drug tests.