Harness racing launches drug investigation

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) has launched an investigation after the Geoff Small-trained horse Rowan Direct returned a positive drug test to dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO).

General manager Edward Rennell said the NZ racing laboratory had advised HRNZ of a positive swab result to DMSO following a race at the Franklin TC meeting on August 15.

Mr Rennell said in light of the positive results the laboratory had been asked to undertake retrospective testing for DMSO on all urine swabs from group one and races over $100,000 in stakes since April 1.

A decision on whether any further retrospective testing would be conducted would be made following the results of that testing.

On August 28 Small withdrew six horses from that night's Cambridge trots meeting after advice from his vet about a compound administered to them.

Stipendiary stewards officiating at the meeting said Small told them before the first race his veterinary surgeon had advised him to scratch the horses, Jalomani, Sterlish, Pocket Baileyship, High Flyin, Zenad and Mighty Shard due to the administration of DMSO.

DMSO is a chemical compound used to treat horses that have soreness. It is not a narcotic and considered low level, but could mean the horses return a positive blood test.

- NZPA