RACEDAY TREATMENTS & TOPICAL APPLICATIONS
Trainers are reminded that treatments should not be administered to any horse on race day, prior to a horse running in a race or to any horse on a racecourse after a horse has run in a race.
HRNSW Stewards, however, approve of the application of ice only to a horse on a racecourse after it has run in a race.
Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 193 provides the following:
AHRR 193. (1) A person shall not attempt to stomach tube or stomach tube a horse nominated for a race or event within one clear day of the commencement of the race or event.
(2) A person shall not attempt to use or use an atomiser, face mask or other device for the administration of a prohibited substance to a horse nominated for a race or event within one clear day of the commencement of the race or event.
(3) A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (3), a person, with the permission of the Stewards may administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.
(5) The Stewards shall order the withdrawal or disqualification of a horse that has been either treated or attempted to have been treated in breach of sub-rules (1), (2) and (3).
(6) A person shall not without the prior approval of the Stewards administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on a racecourse after such horse has run in a race.
(7) For the purposes of this Rule, medication means any treatment with drugs or other substances.
(8) A person shall not allow or permit another person to attempt to perform or perform any of the actions prohibited by sub-rules (1), (2), (3) or (6).
(9) A person who fails to comply with sub-rules (1), (2), (3), (6) or (8) is guilty of an offence.
While topical applications are considered to be medications, circumstances may arise when a horse may suffer a minor injury that does not affect its suitability to race but would benefit from the prophylactic application of a topical antibiotic or antiseptic.
In such circumstances, a trainer may apply to the Stewards for permission to administer the medication.
Any form of application prior to the day of the race, must be removed by no later than 8:00am on the day of the race unless approval is granted by Stewards.
The use of Poultices such as Clay and Animalintex are considered as a treatment which should not be administered on the day of racing. This includes post-race at the race course.
Trainers are further reminded that any form of physical therapy, including but not limited to magnetic pads or vibratory massage, is not permitted on a racecourse.
