Robert Hickmott
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance was detected in a sample collected from the Robert Hickmott trained racehorse, Haaland.
The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Haaland after running in the Agnes Banks Equine Clinic Handicap (Race 5) over 2200 metres at Bendigo Racecourse on 11 February 2024, with the horse winning the race.
RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Procaine which is a prohibited substance on race day in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Racing Science Centre also reported that it had detected Procaine within the reserve portion of the urine sample.
Procaine is a local anaesthetic agent and central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. In horses, procaine is not commonly used alone but is a constituent of multiple commercially available penicillin-containing products. Procaine penicillin is a commonly used antibiotic in horses. Procaine is a prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a veterinarian.
Procaine is a prohibited substance under the Australian Rules of Racing when detected in a sample taken from a horse at a race meeting or trial (including an official trial or a jump-out for the purpose of obtaining a permit to start in a race).
RV Stewards initially informed Mr Hickmott of the irregularity on 28 March 2024. Mr Hickmott has now been informed of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.
Danny O'Brien
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) stating that a prohibited substance has been detected in a blood sample collected from the Danny O’Brien trained racehorse, Princeofcambridge (the Horse).
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from the Horse prior starting in the G’Day Ink Tattoo Studio, Pakenham Handicap over 1600 metres (Race 5), to be run at Sportsbet Pakenham Racecourse on 22 February 2024. Prior to the commencement of the race, the meeting was abandoned due to weather conditions.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain triamcinolone acetonide (corticosteroids), which is a prohibited substance on raceday in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected triamcinolone acetonide within the reserve blood sample.
Triamcinolone is a long-acting synthetic corticosteroid used in horses as an anti-inflammatory. It is available in a variety of formulations and in horses, is often injected intra-articularly (into a joint).
Triamcinolone is a prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a veterinarian. Triamcinolone is a prohibited substance under the Australian Rules of Racing when detected in a sample taken from a horse at a race meeting or trial (including an official trial or a jump-out for the purpose of obtaining a permit to start in a race).
RV Stewards initially informed Mr O’Brien of the irregularity on 28 March 2024. Mr O’Brien has now been informed of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.