QRIC tests record number of positives

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has recorded the highest number of positive samples for prohibited substances in a financial year since the Commission’s inception in 2016.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said the Commission’s testing regime over the three codes of racing has netted the highest number of positive samples since testing increased to more than 20,000 samples each year.

“While this financial year is not complete, we have already detected more than 100 positive samples for prohibited substances for the year and given the time remaining, that number is likely to increase,” he said.

“There has been some recent criticism of the Commission’s testing regime, but these results speak for themselves and are conclusive proof of the effectiveness of our current testing strategy.

“While we are never satisfied with these outcomes, it should provide confidence to the industry that cheaters are being detected.   

“I take the confidence of the industry very seriously and we are never satisfied or complacent in our effort to ensure racing is run on a level playing field in Queensland. 

“We acknowledge the recent comments and the Commission will continue to work with the industry to improve our suite of integrity measures, including testing volume and strategy.   

“We regularly review and modify our sampling and testing strategy and we have invested heavily in technology to ensure our testing facilities are world standard and will continue to do so.

“To improve integrity and animal welfare standards we have employed more race day stewards, more veterinarians and increased our investigative capacity including the creation of an intelligence team and an experienced commercial betting analyst to assist with our monitoring and investigations.

“With the upcoming Black-Type races, competitors can expect a further ramping up of our testing around these major events.”

ENDS.

Media Contact Vincene Overs 0472 842 346