9 . “ 7 day stand-down from racing for i / a medication ” rule proposal . It was agreed to take this proposal on the Information Roadshow to get the opinion of the trainers . The NHA is going to be severely criticized by the international community if it does not start to implement some form of this rule . The stand down period is open to negotiation and ultimately the National Board is going to have to make a decision . They shall be provided with as much information as possible , as well as with the general consensus from the Roadshow . The current proposal is a 7 day stand down , i . e . can inject Saturday to race the next Saturday . This is only 6 clear days . England is currently 14 clear days ( 16 all in all ) and Australia is 10 clear days ( 12 all in all ).
10 . Website and communication channels . The website is in the process of being updated , but will eventually be completely revamped . The NHA shall be exploring numerous IT possibilities to help improve communications . There is a newsletter being produced each month and SMS ’ s shall also be utilised more in future . Findings of positive inquiries must also be made available on the site once inquiries are completed .
11 . Welfare and retirement of racehorses – rule changes for owners . This rule has been in effect for a while now and the NHA is very aware of the issues surrounding its implementation and shall try to address the stumbling blocks as they appear . It was suggested that the trainer be permitted to sign on behalf of the owner , as they have an Authority to Act . This proposal shall be put to our legal advisors for comment . Another suggestion was utilising the passport and putting a stamp inside it . This shall be explored further . Dr Wheeler shall be working hard at promoting this rule over the next year .
12 . Roadshow . The NHA has undertaken to present an Information Roadshow , which shall be taken around the country , beginning 22 September 2016 in Gauteng . All new rules and changes will be discussed as well as the guidelines on the use of cobalt containing supplements . Cobalt shall only be tested for on race day . It is therefore not necessary to record all cobalt containing supplements in the VTR . This information shall be disseminated during the roadshow .
13 . General . a . Stipes presence at yards . It was agreed that the Stipes shall increase their presence at the stable yards around the country as this is seen as a great deterrent . They must check on the amount of feed available , as many trainers are constantly borrowing food from their neighbouring trainers . b . P Smith inquiry . It was requested that the NHA relook at the outcome of this inquiry , now that it has been before the Inquiry Review Board . c . Vet at SAEVA conference . It was requested yet again that the NHA senior vet attends this conference and presents relevant data regarding lamenesses etc . d . Threshold levels of Reference Specimens . Reference laboratories provide levels for threshold substances , as does the NHA . Screening levels are not normally provided but may be specifically requested .
14 . Date of next meeting . The next meeting will be held at the National Sales in April 2017 . Date to be confirmed .
• Volume 19 no 1 • February 2017 • 17