Urine test identifies contaminated hay
24 May 2010
By Nick McClelland
Contamination of Lucerne hay fed to pacing horse Hush Woman led to an inquiry by Harness Racing New South Wales after a positive urine test to a prohibited substance. The enquiry held earlier in May found that the pacing mare had a positive urine test that upon analysis showed the presence of the prohibited substances Atropine and Scopolamine. Evidence was taken from Mr Graham Betts the trainer of Hush Woman and written evidence was also provided by Dr Craig Suann, the Senior Veterinarian assisting the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory which carried out the analysis.
In the evidence that was presented it was found that Mr Betts had been feeding Hush Woman Lucerne hay which, when inspected, was found to be contaminated with Thorn Apple, which is known to contain Atropine and Scopolamine. Thorn Apple is also known to be toxic to horses.
After considering all the evidence and Mr Betts training record stewards were satisfied there had been no personal wrongdoing or failing on behalf of Mr Betts and no conviction was recorded and no penalty was imposed.
In hay production it is necessary to be able to identify weeds accurately and understand their potential threat as a contaminant of fodder. As a hay purchaser it is important to ask if the hay you are buying contains any weeds that may threaten the health, production and status of your livestock. Always buy from reputable hay producers who will be happy to provide a declaration for the hay you are purchasing.
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