RV Stewards' Report - Shawn Mathrick
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have concluded their investigation into a sample returned by the Shawn Mathrick-trained racehorse Rich Itch and advise the following.
A pre-race blood sample was taken from Rich Itch prior to it running in The TAB Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400 metres) at Flemington Racecourse on 27 February 2021.
Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) reported that the “A” sample returned a Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) level of 37.1mmol/L. Pursuant to Item 1 of Division 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Australian Rules of Racing, “alkanilising agents” are prohibited substances when evidenced by TCO2 at a concentration above 36.0mmol/L in plasma. The expanded measurement of uncertainty for TCO2 determinations at the threshold concentration (36.0mmol/L) is 1.0mmol/L at >99.99% confidence.
RASL confirmed that the “B” sample returned a TCO2 level of 35.8mmol/L, meaning the “B” sample returned a result under the relevant threshold.
Pursuant to AR259(6), the result from the “B” sample meant that the Stewards did not have prima facie evidence that the relevant sample contained a prohibited substance.
The Stewards considered all the information before them, including veterinary advice, and have determined to not lay any charges in this matter. This brings the investigation to its conclusion.
Mr Mathrick has been advised of the Stewards’ determination to not lay charges in this matter.