Harness Racing New Zealand is to start testing soon for the latest drug some of the country's trainers are
using on horses, deriving from a sheep worming drench.
The drench, used for sheep, pigs and cattle, contains Levamisole, which is not banned but breaks into Aminorex, a class one drug in the amphetamine group.
HRNZ did not know the extent of its use in New Zealand, but had heard anecdotal reports of some stables producing winner after winner using the drug, the Sunday Star Times reported.
HRNZ chief racecourse inspector Rod Carmichael said he suspected some trainers were aware no specific testing was being done to find the drug, which stimulates the central nervous system.
"But we are sending out warnings that we will start testing for it now. If they continue to use it, they can expect to be severely punished."
The drench was responsible for 50 positive tests to Aminorex in North America two years ago.
(NZPA)