Recently, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s (QRIC) Compliance Assurance Team Stewards have seen an increased number of rule breaches for the possession of supplements containing cobalt salts.
QRIC Stewards remind all racing participants that under Australia Harness Racing (AHRR), rules194B and 196E, they are prohibited from possessing and administering, attempting to administer, or being party to the administration of products containing cobalt salts to any licensed racehorse.
QRIC Chief Steward of Harness Neil Finnigan said racing participants must not use products containing cobalt salts on licensed racing animals.
“We recognise that while products containing cobalt salts can be purchased over the counter or online, licensed participants in standardbred racing are restricted from using cobalt salt-based products,” he said.
Participants whose horses are administered products containing cobalt salts, or who are found in possession of products containing cobalt salts, will be referred to the QRIC Stewards for inquiry.
Mr Finnigan said individual participants have a personal responsibility to ensure they are adhering with all Rules regarding race day treatment and supplement use.
“Participants are personally responsible for ensuring they understand and fulfil their obligations under the Rules of Racing, and the QRIC Stewards will not excuse the possession or administration of cobalt salts by those who purport to be unaware of this rule.”
“Participants are personally responsible for ensuring they are fully aware and have full understanding of their obligations under the Rules of Racing,” he said.
For more information about the use of medication in licensed standardbred horses, participants are encouraged to read this page on the QRIC website:
Standardbred race day treatment rules
For any further questions about your obligations regarding substance use, please contact HarnessStewards@qric.qld.gov.au.