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 Matt Laurie trained racehorse, Delicious Tycoon.
The report relates to an Out of Competition blood sample taken from Delicious Tycoon on 3 August 2023.
RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Trendione (an anabolic androgenic steroid) which is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Trendione within the reserve blood sample.
Mr Laurie and the managing owner have been advised of the initial and confirmatory findings.
The detection of Trendione in the sample means that Australian Rule of Racing 248(4) is engaged. AR 248(4) is a mandatory provision of the Rules of Racing – once an anabolic androgenic steroid is detected in a sample taken from a horse, that horse is not permitted to start in a race, official trial or jump out for a period not less than 12 months from the date of the sample is collected and subject to further provisions in the Rule.
Submissions were sought by the RV Stewards from Mr Laurie and the managing owner, regarding the application of 248(4). Thereafter, and on consideration of the Rule, the evidence and circumstances at hand, the Stewards determined that AR248(4) must be applied to Delicious Tycoon from the date of the sample being collected, being 3 August 2023.
The Stewards are continuing their investigation into the sample.
Australian Racing Rule 248(4) states:
(4) if a sample taken at any time from a horse, has detected in it an anabolic androgenic steroid, the horse is not permitted to start in any race, official trials or jump out:
(a) for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the collection of the sample; and
(b) until after an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Clearing Certificate is provided in respect of a sample taken from the horse on a date directed by a PRA or the Stewards.