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Updated Notice to Trainers and all other racing participants regarding ALTRENOGEST

On 26 June 2018, Thoroughbred Racing SA Limited (TRSA) published a Notice to Trainers and Participants regarding altrenogest. That Notice was provided following a warning published by Racing Victoria on 19 June 2018 regarding veterinary prescription animal remedies containing the progestogen altrenogest, used to control the cyclic activity of fillies and mares.


Racing Victoria advised on 4 September that analysis of additional batches of products containing altrenogest, performed by Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) have been found to contain varying levels of the anabolic steroids trenbolone and/or trendione, which are prohibited substances at all times. They further advised that the analysis of oral products has identified lower levels of trenbolone and/or trendione than the injectable products and that they are supportive of a national approach on this issue and will work with Racing Australia and other Principal Racing Authorities in this regard as a matter of priority. Racing Victoria also provided interim advice, that advice being;


“…to continue not to use products containing altrenogest unless this matter can be resolved. As an alternative, Racing Victoria suggest the use of injectable, short acting progesterone for fillies and mares in Victoria. This should be administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance and otherwise in compliance with the ‘one clear day’ rule (i.e. if a filly or mare is racing Saturday, progesterone must not be injected at any time on the Friday or the day of the race). Trainers should consult a veterinarian on the use of injectable progesterone in their fillies and mares.


Please note that the suggested use of progesterone only applies to the progesterone injection; it does not include long acting synthetic progestins”.


Having regard for the Notice by Racing Victoria and their advice to participants, TRSA advise all South Australian Trainers and Participants, and interstate participants who participate in our local industry from time to time, to follow the interim advice provided by Racing Victoria. TRSA, like Racing Victoria, is keen to work with other Principal Racing Authorities and Racing Australia to ensure a national approach on the issue.

J.C. Petzer
Chairman of Stewards
7 September 2018

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