Putting harness on drugs
HARNESS Racing Victoria has received a $3.1 million shot in the arm to stamp out the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Victorian Minister for Racing Martin Pakula announced the funding — from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund — during a visit to the Geelong Harness Racing Club in Corio yesterday morning.
“This funding will help to ensure Harness Racing Victoria has the resources it needs to stamp out prohibited substances and stay one step ahead of emerging drug tends,” Mr Pakula said.
“Integrity in racing is vital and this funding will significantly bolster the drug screening program in harness racing.”
The grant is expected to allow Harness Racing Victoria to more than double the num- ber of tests performed over the next two years, including postrace swabs, out-of-competition testing and human samples.
Harness Racing Victoria chief executive David Martin welcomed the funding.
“Harness Racing Victoria thanks the Victorian Government for its support to boost our integrity efforts,” he said.
“It cannot be overstated how important integrity is within racing.
“This funding will enable us to double the number of swabs analysed each year and further strengthen our ability to maintain a level playing field for all participants.”
Victoria’s harness racing industry generates more than $400 million for the Victorian economy each year and helps sustain almost 4000 full-time jobs and 18,000 participants directly involved as breeders, owners, trainers, employees and volunteers.