Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance has been detected in a urine sample collected from the Russell Cluning trained racehorse, Black Stream.
The report relates to a pre-race urine sample taken from Black Stream before running in the Miranda Park BM58 Handicap over 1450 metres at Kyneton Racecourse on 26 January 2021.
RASL reported that it had detected within the sample cobalt at a mass concentration greater than 200 micrograms per litre in urine. The expanded measurement uncertainty for cobalt determination at 100 micrograms per litre is 10 micrograms per litre at greater than 99.7% confidence.
The Racing Science Centre reported that it had detected within the reserve portion of the sample cobalt at a concentration of greater than 200 micrograms per litre in urine. The expanded measurement uncertainty for cobalt determination at 100 micrograms per litre is 6 micrograms per litre at greater than 99.7% confidence.
Cobalt (an essential mineral nutrient which affects multiple body systems and is toxic at high dosages) is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Rules of Racing at a concentration in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.
RV Stewards initially informed Russell Cluning of the irregularity on 27 February 2021 and was today advised of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.