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 Leslie Robertson trained racehorse, ‘Debit Credit’.
The report relates to a pre-race urine sample taken from ‘Debit Credit’ after running in the Big Screen Company Handicap (Race 7) over 1000 metres at Bendigo Racecourse on 21 March 2024.
RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Dextrorphan and Guaifenesin, which are prohibited substances on raceday in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensics Laboratory also reported that it had detected Dextrorphan and Guaifenesin within the reserve portion of the urine sample.
Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin come combined in some medications to treat cold and flu symptoms. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins mucus to ease chest congestion.
In addition, Dextromethorphan acts as a central nervous system depressant or stimulant, depending on the dose, and Guaifenesin is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant.
Dextrorphan and Guaifenesin are prohibited substances under 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 Robertson of the irregularity on 9 May 2024, and Mr Robertson was informed on 11 June 2024 of the confirmatory findings and that the Stewards are continuing their investigation.