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Industry participants have been warned that xenon and argon gas are prohibited substances under the Australian Rules of Racing.

In accordance with AR177B(2)(a) & (l) they are categorised as both erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and also hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 stabilisers.

Methods of analysis for the detection of xenon and argon in blood and urine samples have been developed by an anti-doping laboratory.

Racing NSW is committed to ensure that the practice of xenon and argon administration does not pose a threat to the integrity of thoroughbred racing.

Recently the Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany was included into AR1 as an Official Racing Laboratory.

Racing NSW places participants on notice that samples found to contain these substances by Official Racing Laboratories shall be reported to Racing NSW stewards in accordance with AR178D(2).

Further participants are advised that samples stored at the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, may under the provisions of AR178DD(2), be re-submitted to be analysed for xenon and argon.