Chief Stipe

Showed the benefit of holding her up a bit too. I guess the stable have the instructions correct now. What's the fixation with Rich Hill?

I suggest you google again and read past the headlines. You don't build muscle mass with one shot of an anabolic steroid. It takes a sustained period of administration. As far as we know these 5 cases have only returned one positive over their race careers to date.

Plus all the big races at Hastings!

You were saying? Great day for Te Akau!

But you are generalising and quoting an article that isn't specific to this steroid. It defies rational logic that trainers would deliberately use this particular steroid.

@Gammalite this is bollocks. How it was in your day is not how it is today. Your hypothesis is flawed in a number of respects: The drug in question in these cases has zero tolerance and is easily detectable. It is outright banned; There are other "stimulants" that you could use to get what you call "mental stimulus" that are less detectable but more importantly carry less of a penalty; All the horses involved performed as good or better (winning) before or after the positive yet returned negatives. One question is how did the horses continue to race AFTER the positive was discovered? Did the authorities hold back? Did they do retrospective testing and discovered an anomaly? If theyl latter you would have expected the other wins to have returned positives You can hardly call this a cluster as it occurs over a broad time span and over different training facilities and trainers. Where is the common link? I'm not even sure the Stewards are convinced going by the following statement: “The Stewards request that no inference should be drawn against any person mentioned in this report nor should any inference be drawn by the application of AR 248(4) to the five horses.”

@Yankiwi you clearly have a bias - observational, sampling, definition - in fact every bias imaginable to support your hypothesis. Whatever you do don't take up science research has a career.

@the galah so with your extensive knowledge can you explain to us all how a detectable drug, an anabolic steroid, can improve performance in a racehorse in a one-off administration? Given that anabolic steroids are used to create muscle mass and or repair muscle injury. In this case the steroid detected has a therapeutic approved use for treating breast cancer in human females.

Circle of Magic - positive 3rd March when second. Wins 22nd March no positive. Lake Tai - 1st 22 February - positive. 1st 6 February - no positive. 1st 8 April no positive. Alphaville - 1st 24 February - positive. 1st 1 January - no positive. Sirleo Miss - 1st 11 March - positive 1st 24 March - no positive Yulara - 1st 13 April - positive 1st 14 January - no positive 1st 10 March - no positive

Circle of Magic - positive 3rd March when second. Wins 22nd March no positive. Lake Tai - 1st 22 February - positive. 1st 6 February - no positive. 1st 8 April no positive. Alphaville - 1st 24 February - positive. 1st 1 January - no positive. Sirleo Miss - 1st 11 March - positive 1st 24 March - no positive Yulara - 1st 13 April - positive 1st 14 January - no positive 1st 10 March - no positive

Yes and more often than not environmental or feed production contamination. 2 trainers Cranbourne 1 Flemington 1 Ballarat 1 Mornington

What? A food supplement that may have been contaminated?

What do you mean by that? Surely you are not suggesting it was a deliberate contamination of the control?

So he'd reached his level and needed to run poorly to fall back to a grade to be competitive.

You forgot to mention that he hadn't run a dividend bearing place in his last 6 starts.

@the galah what's your take? Why would a trainer use a known and detectable prohibited drug? It's really odd that there were six initial positives with one having their control sample returning a positive. That's contamination.

Seems a classic case of environmental contamination.

Five stables return positive swabs www.racing.com With James Tzaferis Trainers believe contamination could be responsible for a cluster of horses returning a positive urine test to banned substances Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone. Racing Victoria stewards confirmed on Friday afternoon that five horses from five different stables had tested positive to the substances. Symon Wilde’s Sirileo Miss is the highest-profile galloper to return a positive swab, while other horses and stables caught up in the positive tests are, Mark and Levi Kavanagh (Circle Of Magic), Julius Sandhu (Alphaville), Amy and Ash Yargi (Yulara) and Smiley Chan’s Lake Tai. A sixth horse from another trainer also returned a positive to Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione. However, as Formestane was detected in the control sample, no action was taken. None of the prohibited substances that were detected in the other five urine samples were detected in their control samples. The control sample is used as a quality assurance measure. It has led both the Kavanaghs and the Yargis to believe the positive tests could be put down to contamination. In a statement, Kavanagh said: “Circle Of Magic returned an irregularity on 8th March when running 2nd at Sandown. She was tested again on 22nd of March after her win at Sandown and returned a negative sample. “Since the irregularity she has been tested multiple times and each time has returned a negative swab. “The substance that was found in her sample was Formestane, which is a substance commonly used for the treatment of Breast Cancer in Women. A Google search has found that this substance is transdermal, which means that Formestane can pass through skin and can be spread by contact. “There have been several other trainers which have also had irregularities of a similar substance that are unable to identify the source. Including one who has a positive test to the control sample. “Add this to the fact that Circle Of Magic has also tested negative to the substance 14 days after the irregularity, this then suggests that there could be a problem with contamination either during the collection of the sample or throughout the testing process. “RVL Stewards have analysed our stable procedures and protocols together with our veterinary treatments. Together we could find no evidence of any products used or reason why this irregularity has become present.” Amy Yargi said she is hopeful of a speedy process to get to the bottom of a prohibited substance investigation that she believes is damaging to the reputation of the trainers. “Ash and I are very upset all this going public for something we haven’t done,” Yargi said. “Formestane is a drug that used to treat breast cancer in women. It is not a drug that we’ve ever heard of, or our vets have ever heard of. “RV stewards have put forward there that it was actually contained in one the control samples from one of the swab kits for another trainer that wasn’t named. “It would look pretty obviously like this is a contamination of some sort. We are all working together trying to solve this problem. “We’re very upset that it’s been made public. We have had nothing to do with this. “It is a contamination of some sort and I think that it’s damaging to all trainers’ reputations and its upsetting that we have to go through this. But we have been more than obliging and been working with them. “We have vets from Ireland and all around the world trying to get to the bottom of where this has come from. We completely comply and are working through the process and hopefully we can get to the bottom of it quickly for everyone involved.” Four of the five horses all won their races, while Circle Of Magic finished second. Formestane is classed as a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, while 4-Hydroxytestosterone is an anabolic androgenic steroid. Steroidal aromatase inhibitors are not known to be contained in any therapeutic medications registered for the use in horses. Two of the five urine samples also contained another banned substance - 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione. “Once an anabolic androgenic steroid is detected in a sample taken from a horse, that horse is not permitted to start in a race, official trial or jump out for a period not less than 12 months from the date the sample is collected and subject to further provisions in the Rule,” an RV statement read. “Stewards have this week written to the managing owners and licensed trainers of each of the five horses and offered them an opportunity to make submissions regarding the application of AR 248(4). “The Stewards request that no inference should be drawn against any person mentioned in this report nor should any inference be drawn by the application of AR 248(4) to the five horses.” Sirileo Miss’ positive came from her win in the Group 3 Matron Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in March. She tested positive to Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone. Chan’s Lake Tai won the Morning Rush on Gippsland Gold BM64 Handicap (1419m) at Sale in February. It tested positive to Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone. Alphaville won the TDM Group Australia Handicap (1600m) for Sandhu at The Valley in February. It returned a positive for Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione. Yulara, who won for the Yargis at Kilmore in April over 2012m, returned a positive for Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione. Circle Of Magic finished second at Sandown in March over 1200m and returned a positive for Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone. On the return of a positive from a sixth horse, RV said: “The control sample is used as a quality assurance measure. “On the basis that Formestane was detected in the control sample of the sixth horse, the Stewards have advised the trainer of that horse that they will not be taking any action against them or their horse. The Stewards are continuing to investigate the circumstances which led to the finding of Formestane in the control sample. “On receipt of notification from RASL (Racing Analytical Services Limited) that Formestane had been detected in the control sample of the sixth horse, RV Stewards ordered the retesting of the other five control samples to be undertaken as a priority. “ARFL (Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory) had initially reported that none of the prohibited substances that were detected in the other five urine samples were detected in their control samples. “Following the retesting, ARFL again reported that none of the prohibited substances that were detected in the other five urine samples were detected in their control samples.” Racing.com has contacted all five stables for comment.

Even weirder that a sixth horse returned a positive but so did the control sample. Something not quite right with these positives.

Bit weird this one. Easily detected substance - obviously. A positive puts the horses out for 12 months!

RV Stewards' Report - Positive Horse Urine Samples & Embargoes Racing Victoria Staff@RacingVictoria 1:30pm O ,( Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards advise that they have received reports from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) stating that prohibited substances have been detected in urine samples collected from five racehorses prepared and presented to race by separate trainers. RASL reported that each urine sample was shown to contain Formestane (a steroidal aromatase inhibitor) and 4-Hydroxytestosterone (an anabolic androgenic steroid) which are prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing. RASL reported that two of the five urine 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. Steroidal aromatase inhibitors are not known to be contained in any therapeutic medications registered for the use in horses. The Stewards investigation into the circumstances surrounding the positive urine samples collected from each of the horses remains ongoing. Following the detection of 4-hydroxytestosterone in the samples, Australian Rule of Racing 248(4) has been applied to the horses. AR 248(4) is a mandatory provision of the Rules of Racing – once an anabolic androgenic steroid is detected in a sample taken from a horse, that horse is not permitted to start in a race, official trial or jump out for a period not less than 12 months from the date the sample is collected and subject to further provisions in the Rule. Stewards have this week written to the managing owners and licensed trainers of each of the five horses and offered them an opportunity to make submissions regarding the application of AR 248(4). The Stewards request that no inference should be drawn against any person mentioned in this report nor should any inference be drawn by the application of AR 248(4) to the five horses. The Stewards also note that it is RV policy to obtain a sample from all winners. The Stewards further note that RASL have reported that a urine sample from a sixth horse prepared and presented by another trainer was also shown to contain Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione. However, the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) reported that Formestane was also detected in the control sample associated with the horse. The control sample is used as a quality assurance measure. On the basis that Formestane was detected in the control sample of the sixth horse, the Stewards have advised the trainer of that horse that they will not be taking any action against them or their horse. The Stewards are continuing to investigate the circumstances which led to the finding of Formestane in the control sample. On receipt of notification from RASL that Formestane had been detected in the control sample of the sixth horse, RV Stewards ordered the retesting of the other five control samples to be undertaken as a priority. ARFL had initially reported that none of the prohibited substances that were detected in the other five urine samples were detected in their control samples. Following the retesting, ARFL again reported that none of the prohibited substances that were detected in the other five urine samples were detected in their control samples. In each case, the trainer and managing owner have been advised of the initial, confirmatory and re-testing findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation into the sample. Smiley Chan RV Stewards have received a report from RASL stating that a prohibited substance has been detected in a urine sample collected from the Smiley Chan-trained racehorse, Lake Tai. The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Lake Tai after running in The Morning Rush on Gippsland Gold BM64 Handicap over 1419 metres (Race 5) at Sale Racecourse on 22 February 2023 where the gelding finished first. RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Formestane,4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione, all prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing. The ARFL also reported that it had detected Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone within the reserve portion of the urine sample. ARFL did not report the detection of 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione within the reserve portion of the sample. Mark and Levi Kavanagh RV Stewards have received a report from RASL stating that a prohibited substance has been detected in a urine sample collected from the Mark and Levi Kavanagh-trained racehorse, Circle of Magic. The report relates to a pre-race urine sample taken from Circle of Magic prior to running in the BM64 Handicap Spirit of Racing Award Winner Penny Penfold over 1200 metres (Race 5) at Ladbrokes Park Hillside Racecourse on 8 March 2023 where the mare finished second. RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Formestane,4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione, all prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing. The ARFL also reported that it had detected Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone within the reserve portion of the urine sample. ARFL did not report the detection of 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione within the reserve portion of the sample. Julius Sandhu RV Stewards have received a report from RASL stating that a prohibited substance has been detected in a urine sample collected from the Julius Sandhu-trained racehorse, Alphaville. The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Alphaville after running in the TDM Group Australia Handicap over 1600 metres (Race 2) at Moonee Valley Racecourse on 24 February 2023 where the gelding finished first. RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione which are all prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing. The ARFL also reported that it had detected Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione within the reserve portion of the urine sample. Symon Wilde RV Stewards have received a report from RASL stating that a prohibited substance has been detected in a urine sample collected from the Symon Wilde-trained racehorse, Sirileo Miss. The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Sirileo Miss after running in the Group 3 Matron Stakes over 1600 metres (Race 5) Flemington Racecourse on 11 March 2023 where the mare finished first. RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione , all prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing. The ARFL also reported that it had detected Formestane and 4-Hydroxytestosterone within the reserve portion of the urine sample. ARFL did not report the detection of 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione within the reserve portion of the sample. Amy & Ash Yargi RV Stewards have received a report from RASL stating that a prohibited substance has been detected in a urine sample collected from the Amy and Ash Yargi-trained racehorse, Yulara. The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Yulara after running in the Bet365 Protest Promise BM58 Handicap over 2012 metres (Race 7) at Bet365 Kilmore Racecourse on 13 April 2023 where the gelding finished first. RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione which are all prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing. The ARFL also reported that it had detected Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene3,17-Dione within the reserve portion of the urine sample. Conclusion The Stewards’ investigation into the samples referred to within this report remains ongoing. As per standard practice, a thorough investigative process is being conducted without a set timeline. ENDS Australian Racing Rule 248(4) 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.

Labour said it will deliver the "largest police service" in New Zealand history if re-elected to power at the election, with 300 additional police officers. It is part of the party's law and order policy, released today in Hamilton, and would cost $124 million over four years. It would be delivered through an additional 50 officers graduating in the first year (2024 / 2025), 75 in each of the second and third years, and 100 in the fourth year, for a cumulative total of 300 extra over the four-year period. It also included moves aimed at strengthening legal protections against stalking and harassment, a "crackdown" on gang leaders and "disruptive gang convoys". Labour promises crackdown on gangs, 300 extra frontline officers Play Video2:24 The victims of crime say it's too little, too late from the Labour Party, senior political reporter Benedict Collins reports. (Source: 1News) A review of the reparation system is also in the mix, aimed at speeding up payments for victims. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said while in government his party had delivered 1800 new police officers, the largest increase in policing numbers in New Zealand history. “This was a deliberate policy to support our frontline and increase community safety, following a decade of underinvestment by the previous National Government, which resulted in 30 police stations closing around the country." He said the party would build on that by delivering 300 more officers, if re-elected to power. Police officers graduate in 2023 (Source: 1News) It would mean there was one officer for every 470 New Zealanders he said - "the best ratio in modern history". The Police Act 1886 established New Zealand's first national, civil, police force, meaning it has existed formally for 137 years. The ratio was one to 541 officers in 2017, he said. “With 300 more cops we would increase the frontline by 2100 officers since we came into office. This is three times the amount National delivered over the same timeframe, when they were last in office. “We will also continue to crack down on gangs. Recently, we’ve seen communities disrupted and intimidated by dangerous gang convoys. This is intolerable. “Labour will introduce laws to punish this behaviour and develop new ways to target gangs leaders and break their international links." He said Labour had a "proud track record" of standing up for victims of violent crime, including establishing a new criminal offence for strangulation, tripling funding for the Victims Assistance Scheme and doubling funding for Victim Support. "Recently passed legislation also provides more rights and protections to victims of family and sexual violence. “We will go further for victims in relation to stalking and harassment by modernising our laws, to bring them in line with overseas jurisdictions. This will include exploring the possibility of creating an offence for stalking with a penalty of imprisonment." He said better support for victims will be provided following a review of the reparations system, which sees offenders ordered to pay victims for the harm caused. “Being the victim of a crime is painful enough without having to wait an extended period of time for the reparations you deserve. We will review this process to investigate how we can speed it up. “We will continue with our plans to free up Police time by enabling mental health experts to respond to mental health call outs, pass law to make ram raiding an offence, and make aiding and abetting youth crime and posting yourself committing crime online aggravating factors at sentencing." Police officers would receive better training also, he said, with the nationwide rollout of the Tactical Response Model. "We will continue to support the firearms registry, which is at risk under an ACT-National Government, who refuse to make keeping it a bottom-line."