There have been important developments at a national level with regard to anabolic steroids and the intended exemption of the substance Ethyloestrenol from the definition of prohibited substance which have been communicated to all licensed greyhound trainer’s via an industry mailout in the following terms.
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) set a revised target date of 1 July 2008 for the implementation of the required rules to allow the use of Ethyloestrenol when administered orally to greyhound bitches under prescription by a veterinary surgeon for the sole purpose of regulating or preventing oestrus. As the rules of Greyhound Racing already prohibited the use of anabolic steroids, it was important that the laboratories which test the race day samples were in a position to fully screen the samples to confirm that the new definition was being complied with. As a result, RWWA, whilst supportive of the 1 July 2008 target, undertook to complete additional investigations to confirm the position of our testing Laboratory (Perth Racing Chemistry Laboratory ‘RCL’) in order that it would be able to fully advise trainers of the implication of the rule amendment before putting it into place and practice. During this time, Trainers were advised to amend their practices where required to ensure they would be able to comply with the intended new rules once all outstanding matters were addressed.
The amendment to the regulation of steroids and related substances in the industry brings the greyhound industry into closer alignment with the Equine codes which have strongly regulated the use of the substances successfully for many years. Stronger regulation over the use of these substances represents a responsible approach by the industry and is in line with its ‘drug-free’ policy in relation to racing.
Since RWWA's initial announcement in Kennel Notes on 27 February 2008, much work has been done. Firstly the supply of Ethyloestrenol to the industry has been confirmed after a large final shipment of Nandoral tablets was sourced. These tablets have a 'use-by' date expiring at the end of September 2008 and current stock levels suggest supplies should be available in Australia until August/September. There are no supply concerns with Nitrotain paste - the other Ethyloestrenol product. Nature Vet has commenced manufacture of their new generic Ethyloestrenol tablet to replace Nandoral. A supply permit application has been submitted to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and it is anticipated that the permit may be approved by July/August to allow the distribution of the new Ethyloestrenol product to all veterinarians. Secondly, information has been obtained in relation to elective testing and the laboratory’s ability to screen samples as per the consequences of the rule amendment. RWWA is therefore now able to inform trainers of the full ramifications of the rule change and provide advice to assist compliance.
RWWA has recently confirmed with the RCL that they are now in a position to screen samples in accordance with the implications of the new rule relating to the exemption of Ethyloestrenol. As a result the RWWA Integrity Assurance Committee (IAC) resolved on Friday 20 June 2008 to adopt the following Local Definition with effect from 1 July 2008.
"Exempted Substance - Ethyloestrenol when administered orally to a greyhound bitch and where it has been prescribed by a veterinary surgeon for the sole purpose of regulating or preventing oestrus in that bitch, is exempted from the definition of a drug"
What this means for trainers is that as from 1 July 2008, Ethyloestrenol is the only substance which the rules allow to be in a racing greyhound for the purposes of regulating oestrus (i.e. 'in season') provided that it has been obtained and administered through a veterinarian.
RWWA Stewards recognise that a period of time should be afforded to trainers to enable them to ensure they are able to comply with the consequences of this rule amendment.
Consequently the commencement date for the screening of samples to enforce the new provisions shall commence as from 1 October 2008.
Trainers should be aware that anabolic steroids are often long acting preparations. Certain anabolics (particularly ‘Laurabolin’ – nandrolone laurate) are chemically formulated, and suspended in oil; to enhance their longevity in the animal’s body. They can have prolonged and extremely variable excretion times making it difficult to predict excretion times. It is for this reason that a period of adjustment is being allowed up to the 1 October 2008 to enable trainers to obtain necessary veterinary advice, make the required changes and undertake elective testing to ensure they can comply with the new rules.
Effectively the most reliable advice that can be provided is to avoid the use of products containing anabolic steroids in racing greyhounds and as with all prohibited substances, to err on the side of caution. Trainers should consult their veterinarian or the RWWA Veterinary Department, prior to their use, if unsure whether veterinary preparations contain anabolic steroids.
To assist the industry, the RCL has confirmed that it is able to provide for elective testing of samples submitted by trainers to confirm compliance with the rules of racing. An elective test is one where the trainer submits a greyhound’s urine sample to the Stewards to determine whether a substance they have administered is out of the greyhound’s system. In this circumstance the trainer must declare what was administered, when, and how much. Trainers who have greyhounds entering their kennels from interstate or from another local trainer will also have the opportunity to submit an elective sample for analysis to determine whether it complies with the rules of racing pertaining to prohibited substances prior to nominating the greyhound. It is strongly recommended that during the time of transition trainers make use of this service as the onus will be on them as from the 1 October 2008 to ensure they do not breach the prohibited substance rules.
For further information on anabolic steroids or Elective Testing please contact the RWWA Greyhound Stewards on 9458 4600 or the RWWA Veterinary Department on 9277 0759 or 0404 893 041 (Dr Peter Symons).
John A. Zucal
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777
