Chief Stipe Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.