On 22 June 2018, Racing NSW provided notice to the industry in respect to the detection of trace levels of the anabolic steroid trendione and/or trenbolone in certain batches of veterinary prescription animal remedies containing the progestagen altrenogest, used to control the cyclical activity of fillies and mares.

Racing NSW advised that, until further notice, trainers in NSW should not administer injectable products containing altrenogest at any time. Further, trainers were advised they should not use oral altrenogest containing products within one clear day of racing and that these registered products must be used in accordance with the relevant manufacturer’s guidelines.

A number of stable inspections have recently been conducted by Stewards, whereby progestogen containing products not manufactured or registered for use in horses (such as Regumate Oral Progestagen for pigs) have been administered to mares in work.

In one case, this has resulted in trendione being detected in a post-race urine sample.

The use of such products, not manufactured or registered specifically for use in horses, are prohibited from being used in racing stables when there are specific products manufactured and registered for use in horses.

Trainers are advised that when the Stewards establish the administration of products not manufactured or registered for use in horses results in an elevated level of trenbolone, trendione or epitrenbolone in a sample the provisions of LR44A do not apply.

LR44A - When a blood or urine sample taken at any time from a filly or mare has detected in it trenbolone, trendione or epitrenbolone below a mass concentration of 1 microgram per litre, together with altrenogest, it is open to Racing NSW (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) to find that the provisions of AR.175(h)(ii), AR.177, AR177A, AR177B, AR.178 and/or AR.178H do not apply if, on the basis of the evidence available to them, they are satisfied that the detected level of trenbolone, trendione or epitrenbolone in the sample was caused by contamination of the active ingredient altrenogest administered in accordance with the Rules of Racing and advice published by Racing NSW.

M F Van Gestel
Chairman of Stewards
General Manager-Integrity