The Australian Racing Board (ARB) has just announced a large number of amendments to the Australian Rules of Racing.  The more pertinent rules for EVA Members are the introduction of a cobalt threshold (effective 1 January), the change to “being a party to attempting to stomach tube a horse within one clear day of racing” (effective 1 February), the introduction of some discretion for stewards where an elevated testorone level in geldings and fillies may be due to endogenous causes (effective 1 February), and the entry of the stewards into the sales arena where amendments to Rule AR.7 authorise stewards to investigate a breach of the ban on anabolic steroids in horses that have not yet been named for racing (effective 1 January).

Those actively involved in racing will also need to be familiar with the ARB’s strict new rules on  Racial Villification and the use of Social Media, effective 1 March.

Each amendment contains an explanatory paragraph providing some background to the decision.  Please read the following attachments carefully, paying particular attention to the effective date for each amendment. EVA (Equine Veterinarians Australia) has brought these amendments to your attention.

• Testing for anabolic androgenic steroids at horse sales - Amendments to AR.7 and AR.15(D)(1) come into effect 1 January 2015.  For more information on these amendments, CLICK HERE.  This notice also contains details of proposed amendments to AR.178D(1) and AR.178D(6).
• Introduction of a cobalt threshold - Amendments to AR.178C(1)(I) come into effect 1 January 2015.  For the Trainers Notice on Cobalt Threshold, CLICK HERE.  For more information on these amendments, CLICK HERE.
• Stomach-tubing - Amendments to AR.64G come into effect 1 February 2015.  For more information on this amendment, CLICK HERE.  This notice also contains details of an amendment to AR.196(5) (disqualification periods for rule infringements, comes into effect 1 February 2015).
• Restrictions on disqualified persons - Amendments to AR.182 and AR.183F come into effect 1 February 2015.  For more information on this amendment, CLICK HERE.
• Increase in upper monetary limits for fines - Amendments to AR.196(1) and AR.196(2) come into effect 1 February 2015.  For more information on this amendment, CLICK HERE.
• Suspension of operation of a penalty - Amendments to AR.196(4) come into effect 1 February 2015.  For more information on this amendment, CLICK HERE.
• Elevated testosterone levels - Amendments to AR.177C and AR.178G come into effect 1 February 2015.  For more information on this amendment, CLICK HERE.
• Misconduct - Amendments to AR.175 come into effect 1 March 2015.  Details can be found HERE and HERE.