During the course of conducting some recent inspections of registered stables, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have become aware of some trainers using hemp-based horse feed as part of their racehorses’ daily diets.
Trainers should be aware of the potential risks involved in providing their racehorses with hemp-based horse feed due to hemp being the same species of plant as cannabis.
Recent testing of some hemp-based horse feed has shown the presence of cannabidiolic acid, a cannabinoid, which is classed as a prohibited substance in both raceday and in out-of-competition testing. Both hemp and cannabis contain cannabinoids.
Trainers are reminded of their obligations under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) to ensure horses are free of prohibited substances.
Presentation free of prohibited substances
190. (1) A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
(2) If a horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub-rule (1) the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence.
(3) If a person is left in charge of a horse and the horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub-rule (1), the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
(4) An offence under sub-rule (2) or sub-rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.
190A. (1). When a sample taken at any time from a horse being trained or cared for by a licensed person has detected in it any prohibited substance specified in sub-rule (2):-
(a) The trainer and any other person who was in charge of such horse at the relevant time shall be guilty of an offence.
(2). For the purposes of sub-rule (1), the following substances are specified as prohibited substances:-
(u) cannabinoids
Trainers must ensure that their supplementation and feeding practices comply with the AHRR and do not result in breaches pertaining to prohibited substances. If unsure about their supplementation regime, trainers should seek advice from their veterinarian or the HRV Integrity Department.
For further information on this matter please contact the HRV Integrity Department using one of the following below:
HRV Stewards - Phone - 03 8378 0222
HRV Stewards Outside Business Hours - Phone - 03 9214 0650
Integrity Hotline - Phone - 03 9214 0651 or Email - integrity@hrv.org.au