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 Bill Cerchi trained racehorse, Backstreet Alley.
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from Backstreet Alley prior to the gelding finishing unplaced in the Westvic Waste & Recycling BM64 Handicap over 1100 metres at Warrnambool Racecourse on 31 December 2019.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Frusemide (a diuretic), 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 Frusemide within the reserve portion of the blood sample.
RV Stewards initially informed Mr Cerchi of the irregularity on 5 February 2020. He was yesterday advised of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.