New national rules will come into force in NSW from 1 July 2016, introducing thresholds for testosterone in male greyhounds and arsenic in all greyhounds, and clarifying the definition of 'presented' in the rules.
Testosterone
Under Greyhounds Australia Rule (Gar) 83 (12), testosterone as evidenced by the urinary metabolite 5β-androstane-3α, 17β-diol found in swabs from male greyhounds at a concentration of above 100 nanograms per millilitre will breach the Greyhound Racing Rules.
The new threshold has been set to allow for normal variation among racing greyhounds with a robust margin of safety.
The rule follows on from the previously introduced threshold of 10 nanograms per millilitre in females under Gar 83 (6).
Participants are reminded that Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (eg Testoprop, Ropel), Gonadotropins (eg Chorulon) and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormones (eg Fertagyl) are all Permanently Banned Prohibited Substances under Gar 79A that cannot be (or attempted to be) procured, possessed or administered. Use of these substances will increase testosterone levels leading to a breach of the threshold.
For a current list of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority registered products that contain testosterone visit: https://portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris
Arsenic
Under Gar 83 (11), arsenic at a mass concentration above 800 nanograms per millilitre in a sample of urine taken from a greyhound will breach the rules.
Trainers are advised to be extremely cautious using products that contain arsenic close to racing as this may inadvertently lead to a rise in urinary arsenic levels. Compliance with Gar 83A Raceday Treatment will minimise the risk of inadvertently exceeding the threshold, however a greater withholding period will be required for some substances, particularly injectable products.
Compliance with these rules will be enforced by GRNSW through all available means including regular kennel inspections, inspections of medications and treatment records, and regular out of competition testing, as well as through routine race day sampling.
Definition of 'presented' and 'presentation'
In another change to the national rules, the definition of 'presented' in Gar 1 has been amended to clarify that a greyhound is officially deemed to be presented from the appointed scratching time for an Event until it is removed from the racecourse after the completion of the Event, or is scratched from the Event, with the permission of the stewards.
To view the rule changes in full click here.
