Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have received information that Racing NSW Stewards have been provided with analytical results from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) confirming the presence of the Anabolic Androgenic Steroid testosterone in a bottle of Omeprazole 100mg/mL injection manufactured by BOVA Australia used for the management of gastric ulcers.
Racing NSW and BOVA Australia are working together to identify the source of the testosterone, which is not used in the manufacture of Omeprazole, nor kept on BOVA’s premises.
At the request of Racing NSW and BOVA, the ARFL is currently conducting further analysis on additional bottles of the substance, including retention samples provided by BOVA. However, trainers and veterinarians are warned to immediately stop the use and dispensing of the product until any further notice.
Further, trainers and their veterinarians are reminded that as provided for in AHRR 190A(4) and AHRR 190AA(1) it is an offence for a person to have products containing an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid in their possession or to administer such product to a horse.
Trainers should consult with their dispensing veterinarian to return the product to BOVA, who will provide a refund and pay any postage costs.
Following the completion of the investigation and the identification and correction of the source of the contamination, trainers and veterinarians will be advised when the product is again available for use.
