Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards today issued three charges (two in the alternative) against licensed trainer Peter Gelagotis following their investigation into the pre-race blood sample taken from Strong Influence at Sandown Racecourse on 26 June 2019, where the gelding finished third in the The Big Screen Company Handicap over 1300 metres.
Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) issued a report that the pre-race blood sample taken from Strong Influence returned total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, and therefore a prohibited substance in accordance with the Australian Rule of Racing.
Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) confirmed that the pre-race blood sample taken from Strong Influence returned total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.
Pursuant to AR 244, the Stewards allege that prior to the race on 26 June 2019, Mr Gelagotis administered, or caused to be administered, to Strong Influence a prohibited substance, being alkalinising agents as evidenced by total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, for the purpose of affecting the performance or behaviour of Strong Influence in that race.
As alternative charges, the Stewards allege:
- Pursuant to AR 245, prior to the race on 26 June 2019, Mr Gelagotis administered, or caused to be administered, to Strong Influence a prohibited substance, being alkalinising agents as evidenced by total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, which was detected in a blood sample taken from Strong Influence prior to the running of the race.
- Pursuant to AR 240(2), on 26 June 2019, Strong Influence was brought to the Sandown Racecourse for the purpose of engaging in the The Big Screen Company Handicap over 1300 metres when a prohibited substance, being alkalinising agents as evidenced by a total carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, was detected in a blood sample taken from Strong Influence prior to the running of the race.
The charges issued against Mr Gelagotis will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.