RV Stewards' Report - Shawn Mathrick
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) with respect to a blood sample collected from the Shawn Mathrick trained racehorse, Rich Itch.
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from Rich Itch prior to the gelding finishing ninth in the The TAB Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap over 1400 metres at the Flemington Racecourse on 27 February 2021.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0millimoles per litre in plasma.
The Racing Science Centre (RSC) analysed the reserve portion of the blood sample, and advised that it contained total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration below 36.0millimoles per litre in plasma.
Item 1 of Division 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Australian Rules of Racing notes that alkalinising agents are exempt from being considered prohibited substances when evidenced by total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration at or below 36.0millimoles per litre in plasma.
RV Stewards informed Mr Mathrick of the RASL and RSC findings on 4 March 2021 and are continuing their investigation.