RV Stewards' Report - Robbie Laing and Russell and Scott Cameron
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have concluded their investigation into samples returned by the Robbie Laing-trained racehorse Little Indian and the Russell and Scott Cameron-trained racehorse Mrs Hardwick and advise the following:
Robbie Laing
A pre-race blood sample taken from Little Indian prior to the running of the thebigscreencompany.com.au BM70 Handicap (1000 metres) at Mornington Racecourse on 30 September 2017 identified the presence of trenbolone (an anabolic androgenic steroid), a banned substance in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) detected trenbolone (anabolic androgenic steroid), a substance banned under the Australian Rules of Racing, in the blood sample.
New Zealand Racing Laboratory Services, detected trenbolone in the reserve portion of the blood sample.
Russell and Scott Cameron
An out of competition blood sample taken from Mrs Hardwick at the Flemington stables of Messrs Cameron on 22 January 2018 identified the presence of trenbolone and trendione (anabolic androgenic steroids), banned substances in accordance with Australian Rule of Racing.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory (HKJCRL) detected trenbolone and trendione (anabolic androgenic steroids), banned under the Australian Rules of Racing, in the blood sample.
Sports and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, in the United Kingdom detected trenbolone and trendione in the reserve portion of the blood sample.
Investigation and Outcome
It was established during the Stewards’ investigation that both horses were administered a product containing the active constituent altrenogest, a product used to prevent mares from coming into season.
Stewards had various registered products containing altrenogest analysed for trenbolone and/or trendione. It was established that the analysis of these products (including the products used by Mr Laing and Messrs Cameron) contained levels of trenbolone and/or trendione in circumstances where the trainers would have been unaware.
As a result of information obtained during the investigation, RV Stewards issued Notices to all trainers and veterinarians on 19 June 2018 and 4 September 2018 advising them to immediately stop the use of products that contain altrenogest. This advice remains current.
Having considered all the evidence obtained and the circumstances of each case, including that the positive samples were collected prior to the Notices being issued to trainers and veterinarians, the Stewards have elected to take no further action against Mr Laing and Messrs Cameron under the Australian Rules of Racing utilising the discretion granted to them under Australian Rule (AR) AR177B and AR178.
Under AR177, a horse that returns a positive sample must be disqualified from a relevant race. The Stewards will request that the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board hear and determine that Little Indian must be disqualified from the thebigscreencompany.com.au BM70 Handicap (1000 metres) at Mornington Racecourse on 30 September 2017.
Under AR178H, a horse is not permitted to start in any race or official trial for 12 months from the date of the collection of the sample. To that end, the Stewards re-confirm that the stand down period for Mrs Hardwick will expire on 22 January 2019.