By David Di Somma
Harness racing authorities say they are waging and winning a war against drug cheats.
They've increased testing after a number of high profile trainers were suspended after their horses tested positive to banned performance-enhancing drugs.
But Harness Racing New Zealand wants to re-assure the public they can have confidence in the industry.
For an industry that's struggling with dwindling horse numbers, stakes money and betting turnovers, failed drug tests are the last thing they need.
“I'm sure the bosses at HRNZ or Thoroughbred NZ don't want to get those headlines but they are sending out a clear message they won't be tolerated and give people the confidence to get involved,” says racing analyst Greg O’Connor.
When asked about confidence in the industry, Mr O’Connor says: “I think punters are struggling at the moment, not just because of the integrity issues, due to financial state of the economy at the moment. In recent times harness racing's been hit with a number of body blows.”
Smoken Up, winner of the Inter-Dominions in Auckland, tested positive for DMSO.
While high profile figures - including trainers Geoff Small and four-time New Zealand Cup winner Todd Mitchell - have copped suspensions.
The latest to get banned for six months is champion Canterbury trainer Tim Butt, though he is appealing.
But rather than thinking that drug use is rife, the authorities says it's more an indication that their testing regime is working.
“In any industry people will transgress but 99.9 percent are honest, but there are issues that need to be dealt with and they are being dealt with,” says Edward Rennell, Harness Racing New Zealand Chief Executive.
That's the job of the Racing Integrity Unit, with an emphasis on out-of-competition testing and the use of the latest technologies it is confident it's winning the battle.
It also emphasises offending invariably is for elevated levels of therapeutic substances, rather than the use of illicit ones.
"The level playing field" is a term often used in the industry. Achieving it is the priority, and no easy challenge.
3News
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