Sistema Stakes winner disqualified

[Wandering Eyes]

The Mark Walker-trained Tokyo Tycoon has been officially disqualified from his first placing in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on March 11.

The hitherto unbeaten juvenile returned a post-race positive result to meloxicam, with CCTV Footage confirming human error had resulted in in the oral administration of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory to Tokyo Tycoon instead of the horse in the neighbouring box.

After considering all facts and admittance of the charge by Walker, who did not contest the matter, the Racing Integrity Board sought the disqualification of Tokyo Tycoon from first place, which then occurred after an Adjudicative Committee concurred on Thursday under Rule 903(b).

As a result of Tokyo Tycoon’s disqualification, the new winner of the Sistema Stakes is the Stephen Marsh-trained Ulanova, who becomes the first Group One winner for Highview Stud stallion Santos, whose eldest are just two.

The amended placings of the race resulted in Tulsi being promoted to second and To Catch A Thief third.

In addition, the gross stake money for first place, $184,000, is to be withheld (forfeited) and paid in accordance with the amended placings.

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