Investigations and inspections relating to the fight against fraudulent practices detrimental to animal welfare have intensified in recent times at all Italian racetracks, both as a preventive measure and with more incisive actions at training centres.
In particular, in 2024 between racecourses and training centres, 13570 checks were carried out, of which 9371 at trotting, 3751 at galloping and 445 in the equestrain area. At trotting there were also 2,205 samplings for the specific detection of TCO2 (so-called ‘probes’). The percentage of positives detected was 0.33% out of the total number of samplings: for the trotting in particular 0.35% on the track and 2.30% in training.
Ministerial action in the area of prevention and the fight against doping also extends to other fronts. In the next few weeks the new regulations will see the light of day, an evolution of the one already approved last year, with the inclusion of new analyses and the search for new substances, while in the next few days, probably as early as 17 January, a pilot experiment will be launched in Montegiorgio on the return of isolation areas, in particular for Tiercé races. Furthermore, again in relation to animal welfare, the final details for the new regulations on the use of the whip are being finalised.
