Why paracetamol is given as an illegal drug to horses before racing?

Paracetamol is sometimes administered to horses before racing to alleviate pain or discomfort, potentially enhancing performance by masking injuries. However, it is considered an illegal substance in competitive racing due to concerns over animal welfare and fairness in competition. The use of such drugs can lead to serious health risks for the horse and undermine the integrity of the sport. Regulatory bodies prohibit its use to ensure a level playing field and promote ethical treatment of racehorses.