RV Stewards' Report - Shay Keating

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 Shay Keating trained racehorse, Absconded.

The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Absconded after running in the BM58 Handicap over 2000 metres at Kilmore Racecourse on 24 February 2022 where the mare finished first. 

RASL reported that it had detected within the sample cobalt at a concentration greater than 117 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 Chemistry Laboratory reported that it had detected within the reserve portion of the sample cobalt at a concentration of greater than 117 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 Ms Keating of the irregularity on Wednesday 30 March 2022. Ms Keating was informed today of the confirmatory findings and that the Stewards are continuing their investigation.