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STEROID TESTS FOR ROYAL ASCOT HORSES

STEROID TESTS FOR ROYAL ASCOT HORSES June 6, 2007 Australia's Royal Ascot contingent will be tested for the controversial steroid hydroxprogesterone (HPC) by the British Horseracing Board's Forensic Laboratory. The BHB has notified the Australian Racing Board that it will be testing foreign horses racing at Royal Ascot for the steroid that is permitted in Australia but not Britain. Hong Kong has also banned the use of HPC, a stance that caused champion sprinter Takeover Target to be withdrawn from the International Sprint at Sha Tin in December after several tests showed the presence of the substance in his system. Takeover Target's trainer Joe Janiak said he had nothing to fear from any testing in the UK and Miss Andretti's trainer Lee Freedman said he has never treated any of his horses with HPC. The UK authority advised the ARB, currently sitting on the fence over the use of HPC as an out of competition treatment, of the blanket ban on its use in England. The notice from the UK states: "HPC is not licensed in any way in Great Britain for use in the horse. "We are of the opinion that it is categorically a prohibited substance according to both our and IFHA definitions, its primary use being as an anabolic steroid. "As such it is not tolerated in race day or out-of-competition samples." Gai Waterhouse will arrive at Newmarket after the weekend to take charge of Bentley Biscuit's preparation for Royal Ascot, beginning with the King's Stand Stakes on June 19. Waterhouse's assistant trainer Tanya Rouse reported that the triple G1 winner had settled into his Newmarket stable and was cantering freely in his exercise.