Yearling Positive Under Investigation

YEARLING POSITIVE UNDER INVESTIGATION 
A yearling sold at last month's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale has returned a positive test for altrenogest, a substance currently found on Australia's list of banned steroids. The Australian Racing Board, however, is reviewing whether altrenogest, a substance found in Regu-Mate, a product used to regulate cycles and help maintain pregnancies in fillies and mares, belongs on that list. Regu-Mate is on Australia's list of banned steroids for colts, but it is reportedly used on stud farms and at yearling sales to control studish behavior, and its removal from the list is being considered. 

“Authorities are reconsidering whether or not an error has been made in defining it [altrenogest] as an anabolic steroid,” Australian Racing Board chief executive Peter McGauran told Racing Post. “There is a rethink underway and we are obtaining independent expert veterinary and scientific advice. The Australian Racing Board is moving quickly to clarify the situation.” 

The Australian Racing Board banned anabolic steroids in all Thoroughbreds last May, and Magic Millions offered buyers the opportunity to test prospective purchases for A$500 each. The colt in question was not tested by his buyer, but the positive was uncovered as a result of testing conducted by Racing Queensland, which tested 20% of the yearlings sold. 

Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox noted that sale of the colt is on hold until the issue is resolved, but he said he expects Regu-Mate to be removed from the banned list and the sale to proceed. Cox told ThoroughbredNews.com.au, “Regu-Mate is not an anabolic steroid, which is permitted in fillies and mares on raceday, but currently not for colts and geldings, and it is widely used on stud farms and yearling sales. While it sits in the barred list of steroid use in raceday medication the Australian Racing Board is reviewing their stance on this rule to stud farms and yearling sales.” 

The Australian Racing Board also moved to refute rumors the colt had tested positive for an anabolic steroid. 
“There have been unsubstantiated media reports [yesterday] that a sample taken at the recent Magic Millions Yearling sale has proved positive for anabolic steroids,” the statement read. “Whilst an inquiry into a substance is underway by Racing Queensland, it is not yet confirmed that it is an anabolic steroid. The ARB, at the request of Racing Queensland, has sought expert advice as to the nature of the substance. Until the results are known, I would caution against any speculation, let alone assumption, that the substance is an anabolic steroid until further enquiries are completed.”