Toronto, ON – Horse racing regulators in Australia are crediting Ontario for its leadership and assistance in maintaining the integrity of that country’s horse racing business. Two officials from the Australian state of Victoria are on a world tour of a number of racing jurisdictions.
Their fact finding mission has culminated in visit to Toronto and meetings with the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and a trip to Woodbine Racetrack to view both thoroughbred and standardbred races.
Brant Dunshea, General Manager of Racing & Integrity for Harness Racing Victoria says the Ontario Racing Commission has pioneered the fight against EPO. “The guidance of the ORC has led us to change the way we test for EPO and other illegal medications.”
Accompanying Dunshea on the international trip is the state’s thoroughbred official responsible for integrity, Chairman of Stewards Terry Bailey. He is familiarizing himself with the latest drug information, strategies and testing techniques used in Ontario. “What we’ve learned with our ongoing contact with Ontario has been invaluable in the fight to stay ahead of those who wanted to use prohibited substances to gain an unfair advantage.”
To maintain the honesty and integrity of racing, medication control remains a priority for the ORC and Ontario’s horse racing community. “That’s part of our mandate – to protect the public interest,” says Chair Rod Seiling. “The horse racing community in Ontario supports these efforts, financially and through the work of the Industry Equine Medication Control and Drug Use Advisory Group. It sends a very clear message to all in racing: that the acquisition, possession and administration of illegal and non-therapeutic drugs will not be tolerated.
“We are happy to share our intelligence gathering, research and testing information with our international colleagues, as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure confidence and fairness in racing.”
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