Skip to Content

IMPORTANT INDUSTRY NOTICE ‐ ARSENIC

Trainers and industry participants are reminded that Arsenic is a prohibited substance under the Australian Rules of Racing, above a threshold level of 0.30 milligrams per litre in urine. Australian Rule of Racing – AR178(C). (1) states “The following prohibited substances when present at or below the concentrations respectively set out are excepted from the provisions of AR.178B and AR.178H: ‐ (b) Arsenic at a mass concentration of 0.30 milligrams per litre in urine”. 

Arsenic is a chemical element which occurs in many minerals and trace amounts may be present commonly in feeds and in groundwater in the environment.

Thoroughbred Racing SA Limited (TRSA) provides notice that a recent study, in Australia, concluded that it is possible that Arsenic levels in horse urine may be elevated following the ingestion by a horse of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treated pine timber.

Consequently, TRSA considers it would be prudent for trainers and industry participants to conduct an environmental audit of their facilities to ensure they eliminate access of the racehorses in their care to CCA treated pine timber products, or any other product that may present a similar risk.

TRSA Stewards recently concluded several inquiries into matters relating to the presentation of horses by trainers with Arsenic levels above the threshold. In those matters a conviction without penalty was recorded and the horses concerned were disqualified. TRSA provide notice to trainers and industry participants, that future action taken by TRSA Stewards, in matters relating to the presentation of horses with Arsenic levels which exceed the threshold, may result in penalties being imposed, regardless of any evidence relating to ingestion of CCA treated timber products or any other source.

In addition, TRSA reminds all trainers and industry participants that some registered veterinary products contain Arsenic‐based compounds, some of these include:

Arcyl Solution for Injection, Ferrocyl injection, Troy Invigorate Injection & Jurocyl Injection.

Trainers are therefore reminded to avoid using these preparations close to racing and a useful guideline is not to administer these preparations following a single dose within a 5 clear day period before racing. Multiple administrations will prolong this period, so extreme caution must be exercised if administering them on consecutive days. The administration of any of these preparations must be recorded as treatment according to the provisions of AR.178F. It is recommended that veterinary advice be sought before any of the preparations above and/or any other preparations/products containing Arsenic are administered.

Click here to download release

Post categories

Racing SA - Racing Racing SA - Latest News