Racing NSW invests in cutting-edge technology to protect racing’s integrity

By: Ray Thomas

RACING NSW has further strengthened its drug detection processes by purchasing cutting-edge equipment that will be able to screen for more than 8000 different types of drugs in a single swab analysis.

Peter V’landys, Racing NSW’s chief executive, said the new technology costs $1.5 million but is money well spent as it will protect the sport’s integrity and provide confidence for punters.

The equipment, which will be operational by the end of this month, will test for banned substances automatically without the analyst having to stipulate in advance which drugs they are trying to detect.

It was only a few years ago where a swab could only screen for a few hundred drugs, at any one time.

“This drug-testing equipment is world’s best practice and highlights that gone are the days where swabs will only be analysed once,’’ V’landys said.

“With our policy to freeze swabs it means that we will further screen the swabs when the new equipment is operational to ensure all drugs have been tested for.

“We will continue to test frozen samples and this is why our stewards were able to recently clear Black Caviar and her wins for cobalt.’’

V’landys said the new drug-testing equipment will be used by the Australian Racing and Forensics Laboratory which is moving its offices from Royal Randwick to Level 11 of Racing NSW headquarters in Druitt St this month.

“The ARFL is moving here as is the revamped Racing Australia (formerly RISA), along with the Australian Stud Book, registration of racehorses and other functions,’’ he added.

Racing NSW also continues its work on the revolutionary equine biological passport which will monitor the physiology of a horse at certain points to determine if any changes are due to the use of prohibited substances or other unnatural and illegal means.

“We are absolutely determined to have everyone on a level playing field,” V’landys said.

This news comes a day after leading Scone trainer Luke Griffith was disqualified for four years after three of his horses returned positive swabs to methylamphetamine after winning races in January and February.

Griffith was given a three-year disqualification for that offence and a further 12 months after testing positive himself to a banned substance.

Meanwhile, John Luttrell, the trainer of star Tasmanian galloper Geegees Blackflash, has been disqualified for six months after one of his gallopers, Testa Gee Gee, returned a positive to caffeine.