Thoroughbred racing will introduce regular bicarbonate testing this year, possibly by April.
Chief racecourse inspector John McKenzie said the timing would be dictated by the availability of equipment and staff training.
"We have not been lax in introducing the testing as some claim. We have been waiting for the right environment to be established for fair and professional treatment for all in the industry." McKenzie said.
Thoroughbred racing now has occasional testing, one incident resulting in several successful charges following a Great Western Steeplechase at Riverton.
A review of bicarbonate testing in this country is about to lead to the announcement of major changes.
New Zealand will follow Australia and the United States by setting an allowable limit, probably 37.5, above which any horse would be scratched irrespective of the field average rating.
This allows random testing of some horses rather than testing every horse in the race.
A key to the thoroughbred system is the new gas analysers which have been ordered from Australia. They cost up to $30,000 each.
- NZPA
Racing: Regular testing for bicarbonate
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