The NHA issued a press release dated 20 May 2014 stating that following Phenylbutazone being declared a Schedule 7 (S7) medication by the Department of Health with immediate effect as of 8 May 2014, NO PERSON (including medical practitioners, pharmacists, analysts, researchers & veterinarians) may acquire, use, possess, manufacture or supply phenylbutazone. As such, phenylbutazone is now under the direct control of the Director-General: Health.
In line herewith, with immediate effect, any Trainer (or other registered person) found to be in contravention of the above (with any phenylbutazone-containing medication in whatever form) shall be fined in accordance with the Rules pertaining to prohibited substances. This includes specimens taken from registered horses competing on scheduled race days, or sampled Out of Competition, which are found to contain phenylbutazone or its metabolites, as of 21 May 2014 onwards.
In addition, such Trainer may be prosecuted in terms of contravention of the relevant section of Act 101 of 1965.
Enquiries:
Veterinary Department
The National Horseracing Authority
