Racing integrity in Victoria has received a major boost with the state government announcing $4 million in funding to detect performance-enhancing drugs such as growth hormones and EPO.
Victoria will become the first state in Australia capable of effectively testing for such new and emerging biological drugs on home soil rather than sending samples overseas.
“Providing $4 million across four years for drug research by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) will make Victoria the nation’s leader in ensuring integrity across all racing codes and creating a level playing field for all involved,” Racing Minister Dr Denis Napthine said.
The funding will specifically help RASL identify and positively detect biological drugs by purchasing new testing equipment, hiring specialist laboratory staff, developing methodologies for testing of biological drugs and undertaking further research.
RASL is upgrading its laboratory to begin the advanced testing by early next year.
“Racing is a major economic driver for Victoria, generating more than $2 billion annually and employing more than 70,000 Victorians,” Dr Napthine said.
“The Victorian coalition government recognises how important it is to protect our industry from those who might seek to gain an unfair advantage by using banned substances.
“RASL has identified three major drug threats to the racing industry – biological and bio-engineered drugs, designer drugs and genetic manipulation.
“Delivering on this election commitment will enable RASL to combat these drugs by moving to biological testing, rather than just chemical, which will ensure the integrity of Victoria’s racing industry is upheld.”
RASL Laboratory Director Dr John Vine said the funds demonstrated the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of racing into the future.
“This research program will ensure that Victorian racing is ready to meet the emerging drug threats posed by biotechnology in the next five years,” Dr Vine said.
The funding will come from the Coalition government’s $79.5 million Victorian Racing Industry Fund, which returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes to the Victorian racing industry.
AAP TURF