RV Stewards' Report - Russell Cluning

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards, subsequent to their investigation, have issued four charges against licensed trainer, Mr Russell Cluning, as the trainer of Cable Glow. 

The charges relate to a pre-race blood sample taken from Cable Glow prior to running in the Swan Hill Hire Drought Breaker Maiden over 1600 metres (Race 3) at Swan Hill Racecourse on 11 June 2023 where the gelding finished third.

• Charge One: AR 244 Administration of prohibited substance to affect race performance
• Charge Two: AR 245 Administration of prohibited substance in sample taken from horse before/after running in race (Alternative to Charge 1)
• Charge Three: AR 247 Administration of alkalinising agents (Alternative to Charges 1 & 2)
• Charge Four: AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting (Alternative to Charges 1, 2 & 3)

Prior to the race Mr Cluning administered, or caused to be administered, to Cable Glow a prohibited substance, being alkalinising agents as evidenced by total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, as permitted in Schedule 1, Part 2, Division 3 of the Rules of Racing of Racing Victoria.

RV Stewards initially informed Mr Cluning of the RASL findings on 15 June 2023 and he was also further advised of the confirmatory analysis of ARFL on 19 June 2023.

The charges issued against Mr Cluning will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) on a date to be fixed.