The big players on New Zealand Cup Day were subject to surprise drug testing yesterday.
In a New Zealand first, out of competition drug testing rules were used to take blood samples from all starters in the $750,000 New Zealand Trotting Cup and the $200,000 Sires' Stakes Finalat Addington tomorrow.
Racecourse inspectors sprung the Sunday morning shock when they arrived unannounced to test the 28 pacers, although their task was made somewhat easier by the fact so many trainers have multiple runners in the two features.
The Yaldhurst stable of Mark Purdon and Grant Payne has six runners in the Sires Stakes final and will be represented by Classic Cullen in the Cup.
Rules allowing for out of competition testing were ratified only on November 1 and are seen as the next step in the fight on performance-enhancing substances in racing.
Harness Racing New Zealand boss Edward Rennell says yesterday's tests are not a sign of drug activity in the industry.
"To be honest we don't think there is a problem out there," said Rennell.
"But this is about the integrity of the industry on one of its biggest days and we want that to be beyond question."
The samples taken will only be tested for substances with long-term performance enhancing affects.
"We are not going to be testing these samples for things like caffeine or bicarbonate.
"These tests are for substances like EPO and anabolic steroids, substances which shouldn't be in a horse's system at any time."
Racecourse inspector Barry Kitto said that while trainers were surprised to see his team on a Sunday morning, they received a favourable reception from all trainers involved.
"Sure, it was a shock to them but they realise this is for the good of the industry and there were no problems."
