To ensure wagering and participant confidence during Victorian harness racing’s major summer carnival, increased integrity measures have been employed by the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) integrity unit in recent weeks.
HRV General Manager Integrity Brent Fisher confirmed the increased activity, stressing “the importance of a level playing field for all”.
“Our team have increased stable inspections, we’ve had more horses undergoing random veterinary examinations, and out-of-competition samples, including hair samples being tested on all horses engaged in the Del-Re National A.G. Hunter Cup,” Fisher said.
“We’ve also conducted swab testing at trials and out-of-competition testing of yearlings ahead of Sunday’s sales.
“We will have security guards and stewards at properties from early Saturday morning to monitor every Hunter Cup horse right up until the moment they compete at Tabcorp Park Melton.
“We’ll be taking no chances in the lead-up to the biggest race on the Victorian calendar to ensure wagering and participant confidence.”