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Racing NSW Veterinary Policy

Warning to Trainers and Veterinarians - Use of tablets containing acepromazine [3/3/2021]

Racing NSW recognises the requirement of a veterinarian to carry a range of medications to service both racing and non-racing clients. The Rules of Racing, however, require that the possession and supply of such medications should conform to the requirements of relevant Commonwealth and NSW State legislation.

Racing NSW requires the proper supply of restricted (S4) therapeutics, including the proper labelling of any S4 that is dispensed to a client and that the quantity of supply and purpose of any prescription is appropriate.

A number of stable inspections have recently been conducted by Stewards, whereby acepromazine containing tablets not manufactured or registered for use in horses (such as A.C.P 10 Travel Sickness Tablets for Dogs and Cats) have been identified. The administration of these tablets has previously resulted in the finding of a prohibited substance on race day.

The use of such products, not manufactured or registered specifically for use in horses, are prohibited from being used in racing stables when there are specific products manufactured and registered for use in horses. Several registered products are available for prescription by a permitted veterinarian in both paste and injectable forms.

Veterinarians are reminded that current standards of veterinary practice require that when a suitable registered veterinary product is available, this must be prescribed rather than a compounded product, one registered for use in other species or registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Should clarification be required, Racing NSW Veterinary Department can be contacted at (02) 9551 7589 or by emailing Dr Carly Garling - cgarling@racingnsw.com.au

Racing NSW/Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) announce Veterinarians Permit

Racing NSW Chief Executive, Peter V’landys AM announced on 28 August 2015 the details of the implementation of LR82C, following Racing NSW and Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) discussions to resolve issues surrounding the regulation of veterinarians associated with the racing industry.
Racing NSW finalised the policy (available below) that clarifies a detailed framework of how LR82C will be implemented.

“The implementation of the rule will support Racing NSW in ensuring that Racing NSW is utilising the best practice integrity model” said Mr V’landys AM.

“Racing NSW is committed to the ongoing consultation with Equine Veterinarians Australia in informing and clarifying rules and protocols that will apply to veterinarians working with racing thoroughbreds,” he said.

Dr Ian Fulton, EVA President, added: “Veterinarians are committed to ensuring the highest standards of integrity in racing as well as the welfare of horses and we want to continue to work with Racing NSW to ensure these standards are maintained”.

Racing NSW will implement LR82C, effective 1 September 2015 with respect to veterinarians practising with metropolitan racing stables and 1 December 2015 for all other veterinarians practising outside the metropolitan area of NSW.

To allow veterinarians operating in the NSW metropolitan area time to lodge and have their permit processed, Racing NSW announced a 14 day grace period. Consequently veterinarians who provide veterinary services to thoroughbred stables in the NSW metropolitan area will be required to have a veterinary permit issued by Racing NSW by no later than Monday 14 September 2015.

Veterinarians - Racing NSW Policy Statement

Provision of permits to veterinarians to provide services
in the New South Wales thoroughbred racing industry NSW Local Rules 82c and 82d

List of Approved Permit Holders (Updated 20 December 2024)

List of Veterinarians issued a Permit by Racing NSW