Industry Notice- Altrenogest Update

09 April 2024
Logo

 

In 2018, Australian harness racing participants were advised to cease using products containing Altrenogest after a number of horses returned positive swabs to the banned androgenic anabolic steroids Trendione and Trenbolone whilst being administered products containing Altrenogest such as ReguMate, OvuMate, ReadyServe etc…

Commercial products containing Altrenogest are used for oestrus suppression in fillies and mares and can contain traces of Trenbolone and/or Trendione.  Trenbolone and Trendione are androgenic anabolic steroids and are classed as permanently banned substances under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR’s).

 When these androgenic anabolic steroids are detected in sample taken at any time from a horse, they are regarded as permanently banned prohibited substances regardless of how or why they came to be present, and such horses are therefore subject to the AHRR provisions relating to androgenic anabolic steroids, which include that those horses are not permitted to start in a race (or trial), OR be used for the purposes of breeding for a 12-month period from the date of the collected sample. The trainer may also be subject to offences and penalties under the AHRR’s relating to anabolic steroids.

Recognising the widespread use of Altrenogest in the industry, Harness Racing Australia (HRA) is a partner in the Maintaining Welfare and Integrity in Australian Racing (research) Project, which investigates the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (pharmacokinetics) of a range of important therapeutic drugs, with Altrenogest amongst them.

The Altrenogest research, led by Dr Glenys Noble from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in collaboration with racing forensic laboratories, racing codes and AgriFutures, was wide ranging, examining both the oral and injectable forms of the product, plus topical administration routes.

The research showed that there was always the possibility of trendione, epitrenbolone or trenbolone being detected when using products containing Altrenogest.

HRA consequently recommends against using any products containing Altrenogest, including injectable or compounded oral Altrenogest products.

Should a trainer elect to use Altrenogest products in racing horses, they do so at their own risk.  Trainers are also reminded of the requirement for all treatments to be recorded in their medication logbooks by midnight on the day on which the treatment was given.

The research also found Altrenogest to be easily absorbed topically, illustrating a need for humans to handle and administer Altrenogest related products with extreme care given the potential to contaminate other horses, and even themselves.

If you have any queries, or would like further information regarding this matter, please contact Stewards in your State.

Ends.

 

Related News

1 April 2025
Missile SE Sulky Approval
The Missile SE Sulky is approved for use in racing events conducted in Australia. In accord with the HRA Sulky Standard and approval process, the sulky has been tested for strength, durability and performance. The sulky conforms to all of the requirements of the HRA Sulky Approval Policy and meets the...
31 March 2025
QLD - 2025 Feature Race Schedule
26 March 2025
Reminder - HarnessWeb Processes
HRNSW reminds the NSW Harness Racing Industry that from 1 April 2025 the following functions must be completed online through HarnessWeb: Foal Notifications; Naming Applications; Transfers of Ownership; Licence Renewals. For Licensed Persons or Owners who do not currently have a HarnessWeb account, it...
25 March 2025
HRNSW Statewide Consultation - National Rating system, race program and handicapping
Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) will be undertaking a statewide consultation process focused on the National Rating (NR) system/matrix, race programming and handicapping. This initiative is in line with the HRNSW Strategic Plan and aims to gather valuable input from participants across all regions...
17 March 2025
HRA - Clearance of Horses into Australia - Information Brochure
Bringing a Standardbred from another country can sometimes be a daunting task if you haven’t cleared a horse to Australia before. To assist with this process, Harness Racing Australia (HRA) have developed a guide which outlines the important steps. Click here to view our brochure. A review of the...
Click for more