HRNZ Responds to Questions Regarding Alkalising Agent Rules

[Chief Stipe]

In the RIU response it is mentioned that they have been recommending to both HRNZ and NZTR "for the past two years that the NZ rules should include a comprehensive "one clear day rule" to include all treatments to a horse to avoid the current confusion."

Following on from these comments made by the RIU regarding the differences in rule applications across the New Zealand racing codes we posed the following questions to the HRNZ CEO, Edward Rennell. 

The questions and his responses are as follows:

BOAY:  Does HRNZ intend to introduce a "one clear day rule" to include all treatments to a horse before raceday?

HRNZ:  Yes. The board at its last meeting on 28 April 2018, requested management to consult with our legal advisor and equine veterinary advisor to determ appropriate wording with a view to reviewing a draft rule change at its next meeting on 31 May 2018.

BOAY:  If so when?

HRNZ:  If approved by the Board on 31 May, there is an industry consultation phase we must undertake over the following month.  Once completed this would then be formally approved at the Board's next meeting on 10 July.  We would then have to submit to the Minister and The Gazette - with a target of having this effective 1 August 2018.

BOAY:  Does HRNZ see any reason why they shouldn't align with the Thoroughbred code in NZ and OZ with the application of this rule?

HRNZ:  Makes sense to have common prohibited substance rules where possible - particularly with vets and participants common across both codes.

BOAY:  Is it correct that HRNZ "has no rules regarding one clear day for any medication including alkalising agents"? 

HRNZ:  ADDRESSED UNDER RULES 1004 (6) WHICH STATES:
(6)    No person shall during any day of racing, in respect of a horse entered in a race, administer by injection, nasal gastric tube, gastric tube, ventilator, or nebulizer any substance whatsoever. Where such administration occurs both the person and the trainer commit a breach of this sub-rule unless such device was used after the horse had raced or under the direction or supervision of a club veterinary surgeon, Racecourse Inspector or Stipendiary Steward.

1.8.06For the purposes of this sub-rule the day of racing is deemed to commence 12 hours prior to the first race and conclude half an hour after the last race. 

BOAY:  Does HRNZ intend to implement specific rules for pre-raceday treatment with alkalising agents? 

HRNZ:  WILL BE ADDRESSED UNDER THE ONE CLEAR DAY RULE. UNDER THIS TRAINERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ADMINISTER AKALISING AGENTS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THE THURSDAY MORNING FOR A RACEDAY ON THE FRIDAY.
Note this rule change was proposed at our Annual Conference in 2015, but was rejected by clubs and kindred bodies in preference for the retention of the current rule (at Conference we require a 2/3rds majority for rule changes). Intention is for the Board to address this directly in line with the process outlined in paragraph 1 above.

Edward Rennell
Harness Racing NZ Inc. | Chief Executive

[curious]

Sounds sensible. I wonder why clubs opposed it? I wonder if NZTR will follow suit? And, I wonder if they've figured out how the hell they will be able to police this?