Magic Millions yearling tests positive for banned steroid

A yearling sold at last month's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale has

returned a positive test for altrenogest, a substance currently found on

Australia's list of banned steroids.

The Australian Racing Board, however, is reviewing whether altrenogest, a

substance found in Regu-Mate, a product used to regulate cycles and help

maintain pregnancies in fillies and mares, belongs on that list. Regu-Mate is on

Australia's list of banned steroids for colts, but it is reportedly used on stud

farms and at yearling sales to control studdish behavior, and its removal from

the list is being considered.

"Authorities are reconsidering whether or not an error has been made in

defining it (altrenogest) as an anabolic steroid," Australian Racing Board Chief

Executive Peter McGauran told Racing Post. "There is a rethink underway

and we are obtaining independent expert veterinary and scientific advice. The

Australian Racing Board is moving quickly to clarify the situation."

The Australian Racing Board banned anabolic steroids in all Thoroughbreds

last May, and Magic Millions offered buyers the opportunity to test prospective

purchases for A$500 each. The colt in question was not tested by his buyer, but

the positive was uncovered as a result of testing conducted by Racing

Queensland, which tested 20 percent of the yearlings sold.

Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox noted that sale of the colt is on

hold until the issue is resolved, but he said he expects Regu-Mate to be removed

from the banned list and the sale to proceed.

Cox told ThoroughbredNews.com.au, "Regu-Mate is not an anabolic steroid,

which is permitted in fillies and mares on raceday, but currently not for colts

and geldings, and it is widely used on stud farms and yearling sales. While it

sits in the barred list of steroid use in raceday medication the Australian

Racing Board is reviewing their stance on this rule to stud farms and yearling

sales."

The Australian Racing Board also moved to refute rumors the colt had tested

positive for an anabolic steroid.

"There have been unsubstantiated media reports (Monday) that a sample taken

at the recent Magic Millions Yearling sale has proved positive for anabolic

steroids," the statement read. "Whilst an inquiry into a substance is underway

by Racing Queensland, it is not yet confirmed that it is an anabolic steroid.

The ARB, at the request of Racing Queensland, has sought expert advice as to the

nature of the substance. Until the results are known, I would caution against

any speculation, let alone assumption, that the substance is an anabolic steroid

until further enquiries are completed."

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