UPDATED PROCEDURE FOR TOTAL CARBON DIOXIDE (TCO2) ANALYSIS ON RACE DAY

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To All Trainers

With immediate effect from 28 June 2024, the following SPECIMEN analysis and collection procedure for TCO2 measurement will apply on race day:

  1. TRAINERS shall be notified of the HORSES selected for pre-race TCO2 sampling and ANALYSIS via the Notice of Pre-Race Blood Collection.
  2. A blood SPECIMEN shall be collected from each selected HORSE approximately 60 minutes prior to RACE time. Immediate ANALYSIS shall be performed using an NHA approved handheld blood gas analyser.
  3. Where such ANALYSIS shows that a HORSE has a TCO2 concentration of more than 35 mmol/L, a second blood SPECIMEN shall be collected, a minimum of 10 minutes later.
  4. If the TCO2 concentration of the second blood SPECIMEN is more than 37 mmol/L, the STEWARDS shall withdraw the HORSE from the RACE and detain the HORSE for additional SPECIMEN collection.
  5. Under these circumstances, a third blood SPECIMEN shall be collected a minimum of 30 minutes later. If the TCO2 concentration of this SPECIMEN is less than or equal to the international threshold of 36 mmol/L, no penalty shall be imposed on the TRAINER.
  6. The STEWARDS may, at their discretion, instruct a SPECIMEN COLLECTOR to subsequently collect SPECIMENS from the HORSE for analytical testing of all PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES.

As per Rule 75.3.2, if the taking of a SPECIMEN from that HORSE is refused by the TRAINER and/or the PERSON in control of such HORSE, then that HORSE shall be withdrawn from the RACE in question.