Racing Victoria (RV) reminds Trainers and Veterinarians of their obligations under the provisions of AR254 which prohibits the use of injections of any type to a thoroughbred racehorse within one clear day of a race.

Collection of blood samples for assessment of health and fitness

For the purpose of AR 254(1), the Stewards may give a Trainer permission to insert a hypodermic needle for the purpose of collecting a clinical blood sample from a horse during the One Clear Day prior to day of the scheduled race, official trial or jump-out. The Stewards’ permission would be given on the following conditions:

• the Trainer must seek permission prior to the collection procedure;
• the Trainer must provide the reason for the collection of a clinical blood sample;
• the sample collection procedure must be performed by a veterinarian;
• the sample collection procedure must be immediately recorded in the horse’s stable treatment records according to AR 178F(2)(a)(viii);
• the blood sample results must be forwarded to the Stewards upon receipt; and
• the veterinary and clinical laboratory accounts and records must be available for inspection and auditing immediately upon request by the Stewards.

If a trainer inserts a hypodermic needle for the sole purpose of collecting a clinical blood sample within the One Clear Day prior to the day of the scheduled race and does not comply with any of the above conditions, the trainer will be considered in breach of AR254 and may be penalised.

To request approval to take a clear day blood, please complete the below form.