Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have today issued three charges, of which two are in the alternative, against licensed trainer Mrs Kylie Vella following their investigation into the circumstances that led to the Mrs Vella trained Admiral’s Joker returning a post-race urine sample containing Diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) on 25 May 2019 following its run in the Heritage Finance Handicap (the race).
The presence of Diclofenac was detected in the urine sample by Racing Analytical Services Limited and by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory.
Stewards issued charges against Mrs Vella in accordance with AR 249, AR 245(1) and AR 240(2) as summarised below:
- Charge One: In contravention of AR 249, Mrs Vella administered or caused to be administered, Diclofenac (using Voltaren) – a medication – to Admiral’s Joker on raceday prior to the commencement of the race.
- Charge Two (Alternative to Charge One): In contravention of AR 245(1), Mrs Vella administered or caused to be administered Diclofenac (using Voltaren) – a prohibited substance – to Admiral’s Joker prior to the commencement of the race.
- Charge Three (Alternative to Charges One and Two): In contravention of AR 240(2), a prohibited substance, being Diclofenac, was detected in a post-race urine sample taken from Admiral’s Joker following the running of the race.
The charges will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.