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BETA NOPS

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risk-assessment-based approach

Naturally occurring prohibited substances

Feed Screening

horse feed screening

Horse Racing Forensic Laboratory (LGC) Newmarket

Saracen Specialist Feed

saracen products

Specialist Bonded Racing Products

Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances

Saracen Horse Feeds joined the code of practice put in place for feed manufacturers by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) on 1st October 2009.

The Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) Code has been developed by BETA in response to the increased incidence of positive dope tests in racehorses. The NOPS scheme, whilst not a guarantee, is a risk-assessment-based approach to reducing the chance of feed being contaminated with naturally occurring prohibited substances.

NOPS are found in a variety of plants and they include:

Caffeine, Theobromine, Theophylline, Morphine, Hyoscine, Atropine, Cannabinoids

As an approved member, we use the logo as a kitemark — a reassurance to owners and trainers of the strict quality controls applied at every stage of sourcing, storage and manufacturing.

Both the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) have endorsed the BETA NOPS code, which sits alongside our annual UFAS audit.

Saracen Horse Feeds carefully assesses every stage of the feed manufacturing process – from supplier to finished feed – to minimise the risk of NOPS and provide our clients with complete peace of mind.

horse feed screening

Each batch of Saracen Racing Feeds is analysed for the presence of NOPS, requiring a certificate of analysis from the Horse Racing Forensic Laboratory (LGC) Newmarket before being released for sale to the yards.

Scientists in white lab coats working with laboratory equipment in a bright, modern research lab.

These feeds are known as 'Bonded Feeds'.

LGC have over 20 years of experience in testing of commercial feed designed for racehorses and are an integral part of Saracen’s quality control process.

LGC are committed to quality and integrity, and are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.

Its analysis of feed using mass spectrometric detection systems is capable of detecting naturally occurring prohibited substances and other contaminants at microscopic levels (ng/g).

LGC is the preferred laboratory for racing's regulatory body, and they are one of only 6 laboratories worldwide to be recognised as an International Federation of Horseracing authorities (IFHA) reference laboratory.

Scientist wearing purple gloves and safety glasses handling test tubes in a laboratory setting.

Saracen Specialist Bonded Racing Products

Bag of Saracen Horse Feeds Recoup 11 low protein, lower energy mix horse feed with silhouettes of running horses.Blue and yellow bag of Saracen Horse Feeds Recoup Cubes, low starch low protein cubes for horse performance, support, and recovery, featuring running horse silhouettes and Kentucky Equine Research partner logo.Red and yellow bag of Saracen Horse Feeds Race 13 high energy racing mix horse feed featuring a graphic of three running horses and Kentucky Equine Research logo.Purple and yellow bag of Saracen Horse Feeds Racing Prep 14 high oil conditioning mix for thoroughbred race training with horse silhouettes.Bag of Saracen Horse Feeds Kentucky Balancer oat balancer mix with graphics of three running horses in brown and gold.Saracen Horse Feeds RE-LEVE-MIX horse feed bag featuring a running brown horse on grass, labeled cereal free, alfalfa free, low starch feed for horses and ponies prone to gastric ulcers.Purple and beige Saracen Horse Feeds Racehorse Cubes feed bag featuring three running horse silhouettes and text indicating it is for racehorses in full training.Bag of Saracen Horse Feeds RACEFIT Low Starch Racehorse Cubes featuring red and yellow design with running horses illustration.