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 Jarrod Robinson trained racehorse, Zoffala (the Horse).
The report relates to a blood sample taken from the Horse prior to it being scheduled to compete in Heat 17, the 3YO & Up trial Div 2, over 1300 metres at the Ararat official trials on 30 September 2024.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Frusemide, Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma-Hydroxyphenylbutazone which are prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory also reported that it had detected Frusemide, Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma-Hydroxyphenylbutazone within the reserve blood sample.
Frusemide is a diuretic agent. It increases urine production and consequently reduces the amount of fluid in the body.
Phenylbutazoneis a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. It has analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever suppression) properties. The two principal metabolites of Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma-Hydroxyphenylbutazone, have similar analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects as the parent compound.
Whilst both Frusemide and Phenylbutazoneare registered for use in horses by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, the substances (including metabolites) are prohibited 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. Robinson of the irregularity on 13 November 2024. Mr. Robinson has now been informed of the confirmatory findings and that RV Stewards are continuing their investigation.