It has been reported that a new industry body is being assembled to combat the use of drugs in the horse racing industry

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According to an article on tvnz.co.nz, a new Racing Integrity Unit will be looking to pressure Down Under riders, owners and trainers from taking illegal drugs.

"We've had our issues with drugs,” Racing Integrity Unit Spokesman Cameron George was quoted as saying by ONE News. “We've tested over 500 riders since 2007 and we'll continue to do so, and we'll improve those standards of testing."

"We need to send that signal out,” Racing Minister John Carter was quoted as saying. “This industry, the people in it, the people that are active in it, aren't prepared to tolerate it. We're gonna stamp it out.”

(With files from tvnz.co.nz and ONE News)