17 June 2026

POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES, SYRINGES, NEEDLES OR
OTHER ADMINISTRATION EQUIPMENT ON COURSE OR IN TRANSPORT

1. PURPOSE

The Tasracing Integrity Unit is issuing this notice as a reminder to all participants of their responsibilities under the relevant rules of racing in relation to the possession of prohibited substances, syringes, needles and other equipment that could be used to administer or produce a prohibited substance.

These requirements apply not only while on a racecourse, but also when travelling to and from race meetings, including in vehicles, horse floats and trailers.

This notice is intended to support awareness and encourage ongoing compliance across all three racing codes.

2. RELEVANT RULES

The relevant rules for each code are outlined below for ease of reference.

Thoroughbred Racing
Australian Rule of Racing 251 – Possession of a prohibited substance/equipment at a race meeting.
Australian_Rules_of_Racing_01_June_2026.pdf

Australian Rule of Racing 251 outlines that a person must not, without the written
permission of the Stewards, have in their possession any prohibited substance, syringe, needle, naso-gastric tube or other instrument that could be used:

• To administer a prohibited substance to a horse; or

• To produce a prohibited substance in a horse.

This applies:

• On a racecourse where a race meeting is being conducted; and

• In any motor vehicle, horse float or other mode of transport used to travel to or from a race meeting.

Harness Racing
Australian Harness Racing Rule 192 – Possession on course
View Australian Harness Racing Rule 192

Australian Harness Racing Rule 192 outlines that a person must not, unless they have
first obtained permission from the Stewards, have in their possession any prohibited
substance, syringe, needle or other instrument that could be used:

• To administer a prohibited substance to a horse;

• To produce a prohibited substance in a horse; or

• To administer any medication or substance to a horse.

This applies both on a racecourse and in any motor vehicle or trailer used for travelling to  or from a racecourse.

Greyhound Racing
Greyhound Australasia Rule 149 – Possession of prohibited substances or administration items
View Greyhound Australasia Rule 149

Greyhound Australasia Rule 149 provides that it is an offence to have in your possession a prohibited substance, syringe, needle or other instrument that could be used to administer a prohibited substance to a greyhound, unless permission has been granted by the Controlling Body or the Stewards.

This applies both on a racecourse and in any motor vehicle or trailer used for travelling to or from a racecourse.

An exception applies to officiating veterinarians carrying standard equipment.

3. Participant Reminder

Participants are asked to ensure they do not have prohibited substances, syringes,
needles or other relevant administration equipment in their possession on course, at a race meeting, or in any vehicle, float, trailer or other transport used for travelling to or from a racecourse, unless the required permission has been obtained.

As a practical step, participants are encouraged to check vehicles, horse floats, trailers, gear bags, first aid kits and other equipment before attending race meetings to ensure they are compliant.

Where permission is required to possess any item covered by the relevant rules, this
should be arranged with the Stewards or relevant Controlling Body prior to attending
the racecourse.

4. Compliance

The Tasracing Integrity Unit may carry out inspections at race meetings, including checks of vehicles, horse floats, trailers, stabling areas, kennelling areas and other race-day equipment.

Where prohibited items are found in circumstances that do not comply with the
applicable rules, this may lead to further investigation and possible disciplinary action.

5. Further Information

Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full wording of the
applicable rules for their code:

• Thoroughbred Racing: Australian Rule of Racing 251

• Harness Racing: Australian Harness Racing Rule 192

• Greyhound Racing: Greyhound Australasia Rule 149

For enquiries regarding this notice, please contact:
Tasracing Integrity Unit
https://tasracing.com.au/integrity
Issued by: Tasracing Integrity Unit