Thursday 11th June 2015
On 9 July 2014 HRNSW advised the Industry that effective from 1 September 2014, a new policy would be introduced for horses that were presented to race with an elevated TCO2 level in plasma greater than 35mmol/Litre.
A trainer of a horse that recorded an elevated TCO2 level above 35mmol/Litre has been required to present that horse on course at an earlier time than otherwise would be required for a period of eight weeks.
In July 2014 when this policy was implemented, the average TCO2 level for NSW Standardbred horses presented to race was 31.0mmol/Litre with 8.5% of all samples tested in that month recording a level above 34mmol/Litre.
In April 2015 the statewide average TCO2 level has decreased to 29.7mmol/Litre with now 1.9% of all samples for the month above 34mmol/Litre.
The graph below shows since the introduction of the policy there has been a decrease in the number of TC02 samples with elevated levels about 34mmol/Litre which is consistent with a normal (untreated) population.
HRNSW Chief Operating Officer Reid Sanders stated these results again demonstrated the position of the governing body as the industry leader.
“HRNSW reacted to a concern that horses were being treated close to race day with alkalinising agents and therefore in breach of the Rules,” said Sanders.
“As a result since this policy was introduced it is encouraging to see the statewide average for TCO2 has dropped below 30mmol/Litre and importantly there has been a reduction in the number of samples recording a level over 34.0mmol/Litre.
“HRNSW is continually working to stop those that want to breach the Rules and through Policies such as this coupled with other Integrity Strategies will ensure the controlling body maintains a level playing field for all participants.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.