Racing Victoria (RV) would like to remind trainers of the rules and regulations regarding the use of medications and/or performing a specific treatment/procedure prior to a race on raceday.
The following information acts as a guide only to assist trainers in relation to the administration of medications and treatments on raceday.
Medications prohibited on raceday (prior to a race)
- Any substance administered by injection, stomach tube, oral paste, dose syringe, topical application or inhalation will be considered to be a medication and must not be administered prior to a race on raceday unless otherwise mentioned in the below information.
- There are other pre-competition restrictions on certain treatments/procedures that are imposed. These include Australian Rules of Racing (AR) 247, 254 and 255.
- Hoof poultices, clay poultices and leg sweats may be applied no later than the day before racing but must be removed by 12am (midnight) on the day of the race and must not be re-applied prior to the race. The same applies to foot baths e.g. Epsom Salt baths.
- The application of Glycerine and/or Vicks VapoRub by any means is not permitted prior to a race on raceday.
- There are ointments and creams registered for veterinary use which, in addition to antibiotics and antiseptics, contain substances that are prohibited on raceday (such as hydrocortisone or lignocaine).
- Absorption via the skin can result in variable excretion times and an increased risk of a positive detection if the horse is sampled on raceday, even if consideration has been given to an appropriate medication withdrawal time.
Physical treatments prohibited on raceday (prior to a race)
The following physical treatments are not permitted to be used at any time prior to a race on raceday:
- Acupuncture
- Laser and infra-red treatments
- Chiropractic manipulations
- Magnetic field therapy
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and any other form of electrical stimulation
- Cryotherapy (e.g. Instantcryo)
- Zone Vortex Wave Therapy (e.g. Theraplate)
Extra-corporeal shock wave treatment
- Shockwave treatment of racehorses is prohibited for 7 clear days prior to racing (AR86).
- Shockwave treatment must only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon.
Medications permitted on raceday (prior to a race) but only with prior permission of Stewards
Topical preparations:
- Preparations for topical use (including but not limited to creams, ointments, sprays and powders) are considered to be medications.
- A registered veterinary preparation or human therapeutic good which only contains an antibiotic or antiseptic as its active ingredient can be used for a racehorse suffering a minor wound that does not affect its suitability to race but may benefit from its application.
- Trainers must seek permission from Stewards to administer a topical antiseptic/antibiotic preparation prior to a race on raceday. Horses having received such permission must be inspected by an RV appointed veterinarian on arrival at the racecourse.
- Any product used must be kept in its original container with the original product label intact, and must not be altered or modified by the addition of any other substance/s.
- The substance/s must be available for inspection by the Stewards and RV Veterinarians. The Stewards may take possession of any such preparation for testing for prohibited substances.
Treatments/applications permitted on raceday without prior permission of the Stewards
Topical application of hoof oils/dressings/grooming products:
- The application of routine, non-medicated hoof oils/dressings is permitted on the day of racing. The exception is those products that contain medications or herbs that claim therapeutic effects such as analgesia or anti-inflammatory actions.
- The application of sole paints (such as iodine and formalin) and non-medicated sole packs is permitted on the day of racing.
- The application of commercial baby oil or petroleum jelly preparations to lubricate/prevent chaffing of a body area, or a grooming product, is permitted to be applied pre-race. The use of other oils (e.g. coconut oil) must not be used without prior permission from Stewards.
- Any product used must be kept in its original container with the original product label intact, must not be altered or modified by the addition of any other substance/s, and must be available for inspection by Stewards and an RV appointed veterinarian. The Stewards may take possession of any such preparation for testing for prohibited substances.
Shampoos and Fly Sprays:
- Shampoos, including medicated washes, are permitted to be used on raceday prior to racing.
- Fly sprays are permitted to be used on raceday prior to racing.
Physical therapy as treatment
- Vibratory massage systems may be used in the stable on the morning of the day of a race but are not permitted to be used at the racecourse.
The application of ice/cold water to musculoskeletal structures
- The application of ice or chilled water to musculoskeletal structures is permitted in the trainer’s stables on the morning of raceday but is not permitted to be used pre-race in the raceday stalls on-course.
- Trainers must seek permission from Stewards and/or an RV appointed veterinarian to use ice boots post-race in the raceday stalls on-course.
Raceday endoscopic examination
- Endoscopic examination may be performed in the stable on raceday prior to racing.
- Intra-tracheal administration (via the endoscope) of any substance/medication is not permitted on raceday prior to racing.
Resources
The below information is provided as a guide to assist with managing raceday treatments and medication:
Contact Information
If you seek further information in relation to raceday treatment and medication controls, be that now or in the future, please feel free to email information@racingvictoria.net.au.