BETA NOPS

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.

Through risk assessment of all stages of the feed manufacturing process, from the supplier to the feed mill and onto the finished feed, Saracen Horse Feeds manages the risk of NOPS to give our clients peace of mind.

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. As an approved member of the code, we use the logo like a kitemark, a sign of reassurance to owners and trainers of the stringent quality management procedures that have been undertaken during every step of the sourcing, storage, transport and manufacturing processes for each product.

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. 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. 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.

Saracen Specialist Bonded Racing Products include: