Harness Racing Australia (HRA) today intensified the war on industry drug cheats, defining a national cobalt threshold within the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR).
Members unanimously adopted the threshold at the HRA Annual General Meeting in Melbourne, reinforcing the traditionally strong industry stance on prohibited substance regulation to protect industry confidence in performance - as well as preserving good equine welfare outcomes.
In making the announcement, HRA Chairman Geoff Want stated that, "matters of integrity are of paramount importance for public confidence in our industry. While it may only be a small number of people who try to cheat the system and participate in fraudulent practices, we will continue to do all we can to ensure the integrity system works and the playing field is level".
Industry rules relating to race day testing are dealt with in AHRR 188A(1) which sets out prohibited substances, while 188A(2) sets out exceptions to sub-rule 1. The cobalt threshold is now defined as follows:
188A(2)(k) Cobalt at a concentration at or below 200 micrograms per litre of in urine.
Trainers are cautioned to use therapeutic substances in line with manufacturers recommendations and reminded of their responsibilities with respect to race day presentation.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Kelly on 03 9227 3000.
