- $1.3 million annual investment to preserve the integrity of racing
- More than 10,000 samples taken from racing animals in 12 months
- New technology has led to a rise in the number of detections of prohibited substances
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) is investing $1.3 million annually to preserve the integrity of racing in partnership with ChemCentre, to deliver comprehensive testing for prohibited substances from samples taken from racing animals.ChemCentre, the State Government's analytical chemistry laboratory, recently acquired new high-tech equipment which has been used to undertake comprehensive analysis of more than 10,000 individual samples taken from racing animals throughout the course of the year.
This new technology has led to a rise in the number of detections of prohibited substances in racing animals in the last six months, particularly in cobalt and arsenic cases.
ChemCentre are pioneers in racing chemistry, specialising in the detection and confirmation of drugs and substances that are prohibited in racing.
ChemCentre's recent acquisition of new state-of-the-art equipment including another LC-HRMS instrument and increased automation together with their expert use of the latest screening technologies, has delivered a broader level of screening for every post-race sample taken.
The rise in the number of detections of prohibited substances demonstrates the importance of having the latest technology to stay at the forefront of scientific investigation for the benefit of the WA community.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"The increase in the number of detections of prohibited substances resulting from a greater breadth of analysis of each sample, confirms the industry-wide dedication to upholding the integrity of racing in Western Australia.
"It must remain a level playing field for all with a zero tolerance approach towards those caught doing the wrong thing. The welfare of all of our racing animals is crucial to the industry and community.
"I commend RWWA's Racing Integrity stewards and ChemCentre for the integral role they play in ensuring the integrity of all racing codes is maintained."
As stated by Science Minister Dave Kelly:
"I congratulate ChemCentre's scientists on continuing to demonstrate the expertise and commitment to quality and good science which puts them at the forefront of racing chemistry.
"The new state-of-the-art instrumentation, together with the latest screening technologies, has significantly enhanced the centre's capacity for analysis of all race samples.
"ChemCentre's ongoing commitment to quality and science ensures that RWWA stewards are able to effectively investigate the use of prohibited substances in WA's racing codes."
