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 Danny O’Brien trained racehorse, Coin Collector.
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from Coin Collector prior to the gelding competing in the Ladbroke it Grand Handicap Classic over 2500 metres at Moonee Valley Racecourse on 13 March 2021.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Phenylbutazone (and its metabolite, Oxyphenbutazone), which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that 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 Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone within the reserve portion of the blood sample.
RV Stewards initially informed Mr O’Brien of the irregularity on 27 April 2021 and was today advised of the confirmatory findings and that the Stewards are continuing their investigation.