By: Sundaytimes.lk
The Royal Turf Club (RTC), who initiated anti-doping tests on horses said it had lived up to its expectations after receiving all-negative reports.
During the April Racing Festival in Nuwara Eliya, the RTC with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Anti Doping Agency conducted race horse drug testing for the first time in Sri Lanka.
There were 14 random samples taken from the 35 races run during the April racing season which ended on April 30, with all samples having been returned negative by an overseas accredited laboratory , namely the National Dope Testing Laboratory [ NDTL, which also conducts testing for some internationally recognised race clubs in India.
“We received the final report on Friday, June 3, and are delighted by the verdict”, said Wayne Wood, the RTC Chairman of Stipendiary Stewards.
The Chestnut Mare Supreme trained by S.P.A. Raju goes down in history as the first horse to be drug tested in Sri Lanka, when she won The Mayors Class 3 Stakes over 1400M on March 20.
“Not all samples collected from the racehorses were taken from the winners; some were taken from placed horses randomly selected by Wayne Wood, the RTC Chairman of Stipendiary Stewards to doubly ensure clean racing,” the RTC said in its statement.
“The club will kick off the next racing season on August 6 of with a Bollywood Theme and both race enthusiasts as well as those looking for a fun filled weekend should make their reservations without delay,” it added.
