Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance has been detected in a blood sample collected from the Paul Banks trained racehorse Rex Bell.
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from Rex Bell after the gelding contested the Avalon Airport BM70 Handicap over 2400 metres at Geelong Racecourse on 23 October 2019.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Meloxicam (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) which is a prohibited substance when detected in a sample taken on race day in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Meloxicam within the reserve portion of the blood sample.
RV Stewards initially informed Mr Banks of the irregularity on 29 November 2019 and he was yesterday advised of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.