By: TDN Staff
Racing New South Wales, the governing body for racing in that Australian state, has revealed that it is working on the development of an equine biological passport that would monitor physiological changes in a horse throughout its racing career, according to Racing and Sports. The passport would be similar to that being used by the World Anti-Doping Agency to detect gene doping in human athletes.
This news comes in the midst of the cobalt saga currently gripping Australia.
“We believe this will be the greatest tool of all,” Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V’landys told Racing and Sports. “The physiology of the horse is the most important thing. If there is a change in the physiology it has to be done by artificial means. We are collaborating with other bodies like the NRL who want to introduce it for footballers.” The biological passport used by the WADA monitors variables over time that will reveal the effects of doping, rather than the specific substance or method.
V’landys is also advocating for veterinarians to be licensed and bound by the rules of racing.
“In Victoria the state government has changed legislation to compel vets to attend inquiries,” he said. “Out of all the parties, they’re the ones who have the most effect on a horse outside the trainer. Why shouldn’t they abide by the rules of racing?”
