Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance has been detected in a urine sample collected from the Mark Sues trained racehorse, Finally Free.
The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Finally Free subsequent to the horse winning the Farmers Friend BM58 Handicap 1600 metres at Bairnsdale Racecourse on 5 May 2019.
RASL reported that it had detected within the sample, cobalt at a mass concentration of 143 micrograms per litre in urine. The expanded measurement of uncertainty for cobalt determination at 100 micrograms per litre is 10 micrograms per litre at greater than 99.7% confidence.
The Racing Chemistry Laboratory reported that it had detected within the reserve portion of the sample, cobalt at a mass concentration of 160 micrograms per litre in urine. The expanded measurement of uncertainty for cobalt determination at 100 micrograms per litre is 10 micrograms per litre at greater than 99.7% confidence.
Cobalt (an essential mineral nutrient which affects multiple body systems and is toxic at high dosages) is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Rules of Racing at a concentration in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.
RV Stewards initially informed Mr Sues of the irregularity on 31 May 2019. He was today advised of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.