Racing NSW has purchased A$1.5 million worth of “state of the art” drug-testing equipment, which has the ability to screen for more than 8000 different types of drugs in any single analysis of a swab. While up to a few years ago technology could test for only a few hundred drugs stipulated in advance, the new equipment can test for many more without the analyst stating in advance what drugs are to be tested for.
“This highlights that gone are the days where swabs will only be analyzed once,” said Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V'landys. “With our policy to freeze swabs means that we will further screen the swabs when the new equipment is operational to ensure all drugs have been tested for.”
V'landys noted that Racing NSW is also continuing its work on an equine biological passport.
“We are absolutely determined to have everyone on a level playing field, and that drugs or illegal means don't determine the outcome of a race,” he said.
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