Increase in drug tests

QUEENSLAND officials have stepped up drug testing for the winter carnival with samples taken from 50 horses at the Gold Coast feature meeting.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has announced increased drug testing in the next two months.

QRIC commissioner Ross Barnett said the testing supported the regulation of prohibited substances during Queensland’s premier racing carnivals.

“In January, the commission’s operational units collaborated to successfully implement a number of in-and-out of competition sampling and testing strategies for the 2017 Magic Millions race day,” Barnett said.

“The winter carnival will see a similar escalation to ensure the integrity of racing during its busiest period.”

Pre-race tests were carried out on 32 horses at the Gold Coast meeting on Saturday and a further 18 after their events.