Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received reports from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance has been detected in samples collected from the Patrick Payne trained racehorse, Hard To Cross.
The reports relate to the following samples:
- A post-race urine sample taken from Hard To Cross after running in the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap over 1600 metres (Race 3) at Sportsbet Sandown Hillside Racecourse on 15 May 2024, where the gelding finished first; and
- A post-race urine sample taken from Hard To Cross after running in the Tile Importer Handicap over 1600 metres (Race 8) at Sportsbet Sandown Hillside Racecourse on 25 May 2024, where the gelding finished first.
RASL reported that the urine samples were shown to contain Formestane, being a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, and its metabolite 4-Hydroxytestosterone, which is classified as an anabolic steroid and is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
RASL reported that the samples also contained 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3, 17-Dione (a metabolite of a steroidal aromatase inhibitor), which is also a prohibited substance in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Formestane and its metabolite, 4-Hydroxytestosterone, and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3, 17-Dione within the reserve portion of both urine samples.
RV Stewards informed Mr Payne of the first irregularity on Tuesday 25 June 2024 and the second irregularity on Friday 5 July 2024. Mr Payne has since been informed of the confirmatory findings for both samples and that the Stewards are continuing their investigation.
Formestane and other products that may lead to the production of Formestane are not known to be contained in therapeutic medications registered for use in horses.
In circumstances where the detection of an anabolic androgenic steroid, being 4-Hydroxytestosterone, had been confirmed in the samples, the Stewards wrote to the managing owner and Mr Payne to provide them with an opportunity to make submissions regarding the application of Australian Rule of Racing 248(4), which states:
(4) if a sample taken at any time from a horse, has detected in it an anabolic androgenic steroid, the horse is not permitted to start in any race, official trials or jump out:
(a) for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the collection of the sample; and
(b) until after an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Clearing Certificate is provided in respect of a sample taken from the horse on a date directed by a PRA or the Stewards.
Following correspondence with Mr Payne and legal counsel engaged on behalf of the managing owner between 14 August 2024 and 15 November 2024, and having carefully considered the various submissions received, the Stewards have determined to apply AR 248(4) to Hard to Cross, such that the horse is not permitted to start in a race, official trial or jump out for a period not less than 12 months from the collection of the samples. Subject to a clearing certificate in respect of a sample taken from the horse being provided to the Stewards, Hard to Cross will be eligible to return on 25 May 2025.
The Stewards’ investigation into the samples referred to within this report otherwise remain ongoing.