Clinton McDonald
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 Clinton McDonald trained racehorse, Flying On A Limb.
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from Flying On A Limb prior to running in the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Inc. Trophy - (Race 8) over 1100 metres, at Flemington Racecourse on 25 April 2024, finishing in 6th place.
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 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 McDonald of the irregularity on 21 May 2024. Mr McDonald has now been informed of the confirmatory findings and that RV Stewards are continuing their investigation.
Luke Oliver
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 Luke Oliver trained racehorse, Hey Bella.
The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Hey Bella after running in the Agnes Rosemont F&M Maiden Plate (Race 7) over 1300 metres at Cranbourne Racecourse on 12 April 2024, with the horse winning the race.
RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Dexamethasone, which is a prohibited substance on raceday in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory also reported that it had detected Dexamethasone within the reserve portion of the urine sample.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid hormone used to manage inflammation or conditions in which the immune system has a significant role.
Dexamethasone is commonly used in horses to treat allergic reactions such as respiratory allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (heaves), hives, itching and inflammatory diseases. It is registered for use in horses by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. The substance is, however, 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 Oliver of the irregularity on 27 May 2024. Mr Oliver has now been informed of the confirmatory findings and that RV Stewards are continuing their investigation.