The Star: July 11, 2019

The Star Thursday July 11 2019
16
NEWS
news online at www.star.kiwi
Blood spinning in harness racing:
• By Sophie Cornish
THE PRACTICE of blood
spinning has become an integral
part of the harness racing
industry – but not everyone is
happy about it.
Industry veteran David
Phillips has slammed the
process, saying it is cruel and
should be banned.
He has made an 18,000 word
submission on Racing Minister
Winston Peters’ special review
of racing integrity bodies,
which was recommended by the
Messara Report.
He called for Mr Peters,
Harness Racing New Zealand,
the New Zealand Racing Board
and the Racing Integrity Unit to
look into the process.
Animal welfare groups,
including PETA, SPCA and
SAFE, have also raised concerns
about the process and its impact
on animal welfare.
Blood spinning refers to a
process in which blood is drawn,
processed and then re-injected
back into the same horse (in this
instance).
Veterinarians have been using
the process for more than 20
years to treat injuries.
In the submission, Mr Phillips
raises the use of blood spinning
by one of New Zealand’s most
successful ever stables, Rollestonbased
All Stars Stable.
ALL STARS: Natalie Rasmussen and Mark Purdon own All
Stars Stable and use blood spinning to treat their horses
injuries.
PHOTO: MARTIN HUNTER
All Stars Stable owners Mark
Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen
say they use blood spinning
to treat their horses following
advice from vets.
The pair own Equine Blood
So what is blood spinning?
•The procedure uses the
compounds from the
serum or plasma fluid
content of the blood to
speed up healing.
•The process is known
under a variety names,
including autologus
conditioned serum and
platelet rich plasma.
•Blood is collected from
the horse and incubated
at a normal body
temperature for 12-24
hours.
•It is then exposed to a
large surface area stratum
Solutions NZ Ltd, which offers
the treatment to customers.
Its website says: “ACS
technology (a type of blood
spinning) was formulated by
Equine Blood Solutions Pty Ltd
to develop the most advanced
regenerative and cell therapy
processes, providing the latest
advancements in the equine
industry.”
Purdon and Rasmussen refute
any suggestion blood spinning
enhances a horse’s performance.
They say Mr Phillips’ submission
is “just an opinion” filled with
“speculation.”
“We haven’t really had a good
read of it, it doesn’t interest us.
and/or UV light, which
encourages the continued
production of naturally
occurring substances
from cells present in the
blood. The blood is then
injected back into the
same horse.
•Another method
is known as IRAP –
Interleukin 1 receptor
antagonist proction. This
is designed to stimulate a
horse’s own white blood
cells to produce antiinflammatory
mediators
and enzymes.
It’s not accurate and relevant,”
said Rasmussen.
They received approval from
HRNZ and the RIU, which
implement HRNZ’s rules and
regulations, to offer the legal
process.
“It is under the rules as an
approved process, which can be
used as long as it is prescribed
from a vet and it can’t be done
within one clear day of racing.
Outside of that it can be used,”
said RIU general manager Mike
Godber.
HRNZ chief executive
Peter Jensen also dismissed
Mr Phillips’ submission as
inaccurate and misleading.
THE RUSSLEY VILLAGE
Final Apartments Available From $495,000
HOLLY LEA VILLAGE
New Apartments Now Under Construction
russleyvillage.co.nz
03 357 9392
73 Roydvale Ave,
Christchurch
For enquiries contact
Wayne Thompson
STYLISH DESIGN,
CONTEMPORARY RETIREMENT LIVING
Making your retirement move is easy when it’s to one of these sought after locations.
Located on the site of the old Russley Hotel, The Russley Village is set within eight acres of award-winning
gardens and grounds. The centrepiece of The Russley Village is its purpose built resident community facility,
The Homestead where you will find Abode Café & Brasserie, a cinema, library, arts & crafts space and hair
salon. The Ashley Suites, our boutique care facility and serviced apartments, is due to open in November
and will provide residential care up to hospital level.
Holly Lea Village is nestled in the heart of Fendalton within beautifully tailored grounds. The village
has recently undergone a major refurbishment and has just released the first stage of new apartments.
The Morven apartments, comprising of eight spacious two bedroom apartments, are architecturally
designed with comfort and safety in mind and offer the latest in contemporary retirement living.
hollylea.co.nz
03 351 7764
123 Fendalton Rd,
Christchurch
For enquiries contact
Juliane Brand