Racing Australia Annual Report 2020

14 | RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2020 T he EGRC performed a record numbers of tests in 2019-2020 despite the impact of COVID-19 in the latter four months of the year. Investment in a new automated DNA extraction machine has led to an average turnaround time of less than one week for parent verification samples. The Centre also offers DNA profiling from equine blood, semen, muscle and forensic samples for integrity purposes. The numbers of tests performed in the first financial year of full operation are shown below. Number of tests processed in the 2019 - 2020 financial year Australian Thoroughbreds – parentage verified 13,489 Imported and local Thoroughbreds – DNA profiled for identity purposes 1,115 Non-Thoroughbred – parentage verification or DNA profiled 5,310 Non-Thoroughbred genetic testing - number of horses 1,802 Non-Thoroughbred genetic testing - number of tests 5,893 Total DNA tests performed 25,807 Average turnaround time for DNA profiling tests 4.7 days Average turnaround time for in-house performed genetic tests 4.8 days Services to nearly 30 non-Thoroughbred breed associations included DNA profiling, parentage verification, and testing for DNA mutations that cause genetic diseases or are related to specific coat colours and patterns. The EGRC has expanded the variety of genetic tests offered to non- Thoroughbred breeders, with 12 different tests available to identify carriers of certain genetic diseases. The EGRC also offers six tests for coat colours and patterns, with a further 14 under development. The EGRC has maintained its reputation as a world leader in the field of equine gene doping detection with the Director appointed the Chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Gene Doping Control Sub-Committee at the IFHA Executive Council meeting held in Paris in October 2019. Dr Hamilton represented Racing Australia at the first Association of Racing Chemists Gene Doping Workshop in Japan. Dr Hamilton was also invited to present to representatives of AgriFutures and other stakeholders at the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre in September 2019. Dr. Natasha Hamilton Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre Director EQUINE GENETICS RESEARCH CENTRE REPORT Dr. Natasha Hamilton Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre Director “Investment in a new automated DNA extraction machine has led to an average turnaround time of less than one week for parent verification samples.”