Warning Regarding Use of Products Containing Altrenogest

Equestrian Australia (EA) wishes to notify its Members about recent warnings issued by Racing Victoria, Racing New South Wales, and Racing Queensland concerning the use of products containing altrenogest. Altrenogest is currently permitted under FEI and hence EA rules for use in mares for oestrus/cycle control. Use in geldings or stallions is prohibited.

Products containing altrenogest may contain trace levels of the anabolic steroids trenbolone and/or trendione. Banned substances are substances that are deemed by the FEI to have no legitimate use in the competition horse and/or have a high potential for abuse. They are not permitted for use in the competition horse at any time.

Both trenbolone and trendione can have prolonged detection times. Following the advice issued by the relevant racing authorities, Equestrian Australia recommend that the injectable altrenogest products should not be used. Racing New South Wales have also issued a precaution that the oral altrenogest products should not be administered within one clear day prior to racing. Accordingly, we also wish to advise members that as a precaution, oral altrenogest products should also not be administered close to or during an event.

Further investigations are currently being undertaken by the relevant racing authorities.