Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Stewards have become increasingly concerned with a number of recent reports from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory of the presence of prohibited substances in greyhound samples which have resulted from an apparent inadvertent or negligent administration to the greyhound of medication designed for use exclusively in humans.
These have included anti-inflammatory preparations and also substances used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and associated heart conditions, and all such substances have the potential to affect a greyhound’s performance.
Aside from the deliberate administration of these substances, residue left on the hands or spilling from a container can lead to a positive result and participants are strongly urged to avoid such administration by carefully washing hands prior to preparation of greyhound’s food. This becomes increasingly important in the days leading up to a race.
Participants are also urged to avoid the use of unregistered products and to exercise care when applying substances topically (rubbed into the skin), once again when applied close to a race.
A report of the presence of any such substances in a sample can lead to severe penalties being imposed and participants cannot be expected to exculpate themselves by admission of an inadvertent administration.
Any queries regarding this advice can be directed to Bill Fanning, General Manager, Racing & Integrity or the GRNSW Stewards Department on 8767 0500.