Stewards' Report - John D Pearson

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 John D Pearson trained racehorse, Minesite.

The report relates to a pre-race urine sample taken from Minesite prior to the gelding starting in the Yarrawonga Hotel BM58 Handicap (Race 5) over 1406 metres at Benalla Racecourse on 10 November 2024, where the gelding finished 11th.  

RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Cobalt, which is considered a prohibited substance, subject to the threshold, under the Australian Rules of Racing.

The Racing Chemistry Laboratory also reported that it had detected Cobalt within the reserve portion of the urine sample.

Cobalt is an essential micronutrient needed for vitamin B12 synthesis in horses. Under normal circumstances, adult horses obtain sufficient Cobalt from their diet to meet their daily requirements. Cobalt compromises equine welfare at high doses and hence, a need for strict regulation is required. Cobalt is a prohibited substance, in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing, at a concentration in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.

RV Stewards initially informed Mr. Pearson of the irregularity on 6 December 2024.  Mr. Pearson has now been informed of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.