Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) advising that a prohibited substance has been detected in a blood sample collected from the Peter Gelagotis trained racehorse, Strong Influence.
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from Strong Influence prior to the gelding finishing third in the The Big Screen Company Handicap over 1300 metres at the Sandown Racecourse on 26 June 2019.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain a total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at concentration in excess of 36.0millimoles per litre in plasma and therefore a prohibited substance in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) confirmed that the blood sample was shown to contain a total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at concentration in excess of 36.0millimoles per litre in plasma within the reserve portion of the blood sample.
RV Stewards informed Mr Gelagotis of the RASL findings on 29 June 2019 and the ARFL findings on 2 July 2019. The Stewards are continuing their investigation.