Designed to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, riders, and horses, the National Horseracing Authority introduced a specimen analysis procedure for TCO2 measurement on racedays in March 2024.
The TCO2 (total carbon dioxide) test is performed on the blood of racehorses as a means of fighting the practice of administering alkalizing agents for the purpose of enhancing performance
TCO2 testing is standard practice at every race meeting and is reported on during the course of the racemeeting and via the official Stipendiary Stewards.
Racing operators countrywide have confirmed that TC02 testing related information is broadcast on racedays.
In a letter dated Saturday 24 May 2025, copied to the Sporting Post, reader Neil Guravaya addressed the National Horseracing Authority to express his continued concern regarding the inconsistent communication around TCO2 testing during race day broadcasts.
He writes that it is commendable that announcements are made during the broadcast confirming that TCO2 testing is being conducted. However, on other days, no mention is made at all. This lack of consistency creates a vacuum of transparency that significantly undermines trust in the fairness and integrity of the sport.
Let me be clear: the same way testing is publicly confirmed on-air during certain meetings, it should also be explicitly communicated when testing is not being conducted. This information should not be left to speculation. It must be provided regularly and reliably during the live broadcast—not just once at the start of the day, but throughout the meeting, as is sometimes already done.
In particular, I would like to ask why, on such a high-profile race day like Saturday—featuring the Daily News 2000 and the Woolavington—there was no mention during the broadcast of whether TCO2 testing was being conducted. Days of this magnitude demand full transparency, and the absence of communication raises legitimate concerns.
Following concerns noted in his own research, Mr Guravaya called for a formal and enforceable a broadcast policy that ensures TCO2 testing status—whether conducted or not—is routinely announced throughout each race day. Punters, owners, and all stakeholders deserve to be properly informed.
NHA CEO Vee Moodley – outlines process (Pic – Supplied)
In a response dated Sunday 25 May 2025, NHA CEO Vee Moodley stated that at least 90 minutes before the running of a race, a list of the horses that are selected for testing are displayed in the designated area, for viewing by trainers & others.
After the procedures of testing are completed, the results are disseminated to the On Course commentator for further dissemination to the general public.
Mr Moodley writes that the Chief Stipe on duty, advises the commentator as follows ,as an example: ” Dear Commentator, please note that ALL horses selected for TCO2 have been passed & clear to race , 2 horses X & Y have passed on a 2nd sample”
Mr Moodley said that this is done to ensure that the public are aware of horses that were selected for a second sample, and were subsequently passed to race.
In other instances, it is stated that all horses selected for TCO2 are all clear to race. In the case where there is no need for a second sample, and obviously, in other circumstances, if a runner fails at its second sample testing, the runner is scratched.
At all stages, throughout this process, the Racing Operator Representative (ROR) is in the Stipendiary Stewards boardroom and has full access to all the information.
The further dissemination of information resides with the Racing Operators.
Mr Moodley says that Neil Guravaya’s concerns are valid and it was for those very reasons, since the middle of May 2024, that the NHA introduced the above procedures, such that the largest stakeholder group, the betting public, obtain the outcomes, in a simple, yet effective manner.
In the spirit of transparency, Mr Moodley copied the Racing Executives of the Operators on the correspondernce to further respond to concerns of proper communication & dissemination.
The Sporting Post has received written confirmation that the operators are acting accordingly.
Ed – Mr Guravaya’s letter to the NHA was edited for publication.
