Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance has been detected in a pre-race blood sample collected from the Ron Stephens trained racehorse, Composed Legend.
The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from Composed Legend prior to the gelding finishing fourth in the George Robinson Pitt Open Trophy Race Handicap - (Race 6) over 1008 metres run at Balnarring Racecourse on 26 January 2022.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Salbutamol [a medication that opens the airways in the lungs (a bronchodilator)], which is a prohibited substance on raceday in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Salbutamol within the reserve portion of the blood sample.
RV Stewards initially informed Mr Ron Stephens of the irregularity on 8 March 2022. Mr Ron Stephens was informed today of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.