NHRA - “a myriad of alarming concerns”

OUT OF COMPETITION (OCC) TESTING - 24 JULY 2023 - INVESTIGATION UPDATE


The National Horseracing Authority confirms that, following Out of Competition Specimen Collection performed by its Officials at Randjesfontein Training Centre and Turffontein Racecourse on Monday, 24 July 2023, an investigation was conducted into the veterinary treatments of horses declared as upcoming runners.

Pending the results of the NHA Laboratory analysis, on-site observatory evidence along with evidence provided by the Officials and after careful consideration of the contents of the Veterinary Treatment Register (VTR), AXEL COLLINS, NAPOLEAN and YOURE MY SUNSHINE were withdrawn from race meeting on 27 July 2023 at 09h25, in terms of Rule 4.2.18.

The NHA Laboratory, having conducted the requisite screening, has confirmed that specimens collected from AXEL COLLINS and YOURE MY SUNSHINE, revealed upon analysis the presence of four (4) prohibited substances, of which one (1) substance was not recorded in the Trainer’s VTR. An Inquiry will be opened into the one (1) substance that was NOT recorded for each of the respective two horses.

The investigation thus far has raised a host of serious concerns in relation to horse welfare, including the liberal and regimented use of medications and/or treatments administered to horses during the days preceding racing and the accuracy of the recordal of such treatment in the relevant VTR. It appears that this practice has become widespread and therefore not limited to an individual Veterinarian or Trainer.

The NHA advocates a fair and level playing field for all horses and, most importantly, for only fit and healthy horses to participate in races. The initial findings of this investigation have raised a myriad of alarming concerns and the NHA is in the process of conducting further investigations into practices, methodologies, mitigatory procedures, as well as considering possible amendments to the Rules, in order to eliminate such practices that some stakeholders wrongly believe to be acceptable and humane!

Please visit www.nhra.co.za to view the latest amendments to the Rules for comment/feedback which closes at 23h59 on Sunday, 6 August 2023.


Enquiries:
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive

Reading this press release now

My conclusion is the NHRA need to amend rules

They are basically worried that trainers are using frowned upon( but not illegal substances )

Please correct me if I’m wrong

Why not fit cameras at the facilities like Mauritius and monitor them.

In opposition to the findings and determinations contained in the recent statement by the National Horseracing Authority (hereinafter referred to as the "NHA") dated 24 July 2023 concerning the Out of Competition Specimen Collection, conducted investigations, and subsequent actions taken regarding upcoming race runners at Randjesfontein Training Centre and Turffontein

Racecourse.Procedural Improprieties: The statement fails to provide an adequate delineation of the process and criteria employed in the determination of the veterinary treatments, collection procedures, and analysis, which may have substantial bearing on the reliability, validity, and legality of the findings. Absence of such delineation undermines the due process rights of the concerned parties.

Confidentiality Considerations: The public disclosure of details regarding individual cases, including the names of the horses involved and the specific substances found, may constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy and could prejudice the outcome of any potential inquiry or legal proceedings.

Substantive Inconsistencies: The statement alludes to the presence of four (4) prohibited substances but proceeds to open an inquiry into only one (1) unrecorded substance for two respective horses, without sufficient explanation or justification.

This inconsistency raises serious questions as to the integrity of the NHA's analysis and overall determinations.

Generalised Allegations: The broad allegations concerning widespread practice among Veterinarians or Trainers, without presenting specific evidence, may unduly tarnish the reputations of individuals and entities within the industry who adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Lack of Opportunity for Response: The imposition of deadlines for comment/feedback without adequate provision for comprehensive analysis, legal review, and response by affected stakeholders, constrains the opportunity for meaningful participation in a matter of significant public interest.

Proposed Rule Amendments: The proposal to amend the Rules without specific delineation of the proposed changes or sufficient opportunity for industry input may not comply with required regulatory procedures and principles of transparency and fairness.

In light of the above, I urge the NHA to revisit the findings, procedures, and proposed actions contained in the aforementioned statement and to proceed in a manner that fully complies with the principles of due process, fairness, and transparency

Without reference to this article; Better than the cameras as a solution / deterrent, ban the guilty! Punters' hard earned cash is already in short supply in an industry that a few are ploughing money into and fighting to keep afloat, and turn around. In addition to the inherent factors of a hard game, where we're dealing with flesh and blood, we don't need further factors in trying to study form and pedigree, in trying to get something out.

When will this ever stop. It’s as though the guys in charge want to see the end of racing ?? By making an “example” of this trainer what are they achieving? They suddenly questioning treatments of horses that are routine. Horses are athletes…..guess Usain Bolt never ever had some treatment to keep him sound after what he put his body through or Novak Djokovic? Look how many people travel with a top player to keep them on the road or with a rugby team? The NHA are a bit late if they think this is going to stop.
Racing is already in dire straights and their so called communication is even worse. This latest press release isn’t worth the toilet paper it’s written on.
Where are the press releases on the Spies case or the 2 CCMA cases that between them have cost the NHA a fortune in legal fees . And all cases lost ?
Time for a change in management

Got above from Bonski
Not sure if it was for this thread as it was midnight 🤔 😎

I would like to add that I'm not defending the Peters or the NHRA

From different sources, I have heard that very prominent powers in racing from Cape Town, KZN, and even Hong Kong have contacted the NHRA to clean up racing

'Victimizing' specific trainers not the way to go imo - but surely the welfare of the horse has to come first - I think most would be satisfied if ALL are subject to the same rules :dry:

To give credence to the insinuations drawn from so-called 'different sources' is to delve into the realm of speculation and conjecture. Relying on hearsay and anonymous tips is not a foundation upon which sound, legal conclusions can be built.

In a legal context, these types of assertions often serve to obfuscate the truth rather than reveal it.It is important to note that while it is not unusual for organisations such as the NHRA to receive communications and suggestions from various stakeholders within the industry, implying that these interactions exert undue influence on their investigations or operations is highly speculative and unsubstantiated.

Claims of external pressure from 'prominent powers' in the horseracing industry, whether from Cape Town, KZN, or Hong Kong, verge on the conspiratorial. It is one thing to suggest that stakeholders have a vested interest in clean racing; it's quite another to insinuate that they are actively meddling in the affairs of the NHRA, or any other regulatory body for that matter, without presenting concrete evidence to support such claims.

While you say you are not here to defend the Peters or the NHRA, you must underline the importance of rigorous evidence-based investigation and the respect for due process.

Such broad assertions, based on unverified sources, undermine the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' that underpins our legal system.

Racing, like any sport, thrives on integrity, fair play, and a respect for the rules that govern it. It is vital that we base our judgments and actions on substantiated facts, rather than conjecture or conspiracy. Otherwise, we run the risk of undermining the very dangerously shaky foundations of the sport we all hold dear.

Mark, I submit before you that the actions of the National Horseracing Authority (NHA), though wrapped under the guise of protection for the animals and the integrity of the sport, bear an overtone of a targeted and prejudiced approach towards certain trainers, of which you were one.The NHA, in its mandate to regulate and maintain the integrity of the industry, should ideally operate as an unbiased arbitrator, promoting fairness and equality.

Instead, it seems to have taken upon itself to launch a witch hunt, focusing more on vilifying and making examples of trainers rather than working collaboratively to improve the sport and its practices.I would also like to clarify the comparison drawn with the treatments received by renowned athletes like Usain Bolt or Novak Djokovic. This comparison was made to underscore the rigorous regimes these athletes undergo to maintain their performance, just as our horses do. It was not to imply the lack of autonomy horses have in their treatments, but to highlight that, just like human athletes, they require specialised care and management to sustain their health and performance.

Moreover, the NHA’s focus on substances and treatments, rather than fostering a level playing field, seems to be operating under the presumption of guilt, thereby infringing upon our rights and creating an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility.

A significant majority of these substances are therapeutic, administered to ensure the well-being of the horse, rather than to enhance their performance illegally.As far as the NHA’s communication is concerned, while I respect the confidentiality and due process in legal proceedings, the lack of transparency and updates concerning ongoing investigations undermines the trust and credibility that the authority should inspire.

Finally, the call for a change in management is a response to the NHA’s seemingly misguided approach. The organization seems more focused on punitive measures rather than fostering growth, collaboration, and improvement. A change in leadership could potentially bring a more balanced perspective, which treats trainers as partners rather than adversaries, ensuring the prosperity of the sport and the well-being of the remarkable animals at its heart.

Moodley and Hyde need to go and be replaced by expat professionals without bias and vested interest