On 9 July 2014 HRNSW advised the harness racing 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.
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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.”
Greg Hayes