RV Stewards' Report - Richard & Chantelle Jolly

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received two reports from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance was detected in a pre-race blood sample and a post-race urine sample collected from the Richard and Chantelle Jolly trained racehorse, Karavas.

The reports relate to a pre-race blood sample taken from Karavas prior to the filly starting in the Group 3 Darley Ottawa Stakes (Race 1) over 1000 metres, at Flemington Racecourse on 9 November 2023, and a post-race urine sample from the filly following her winning that race.

RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Phenylbutazone (a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory), and the urine sample was shown to contain Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone (a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory and its metabolites) which are a prohibited substances on raceday in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.

The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Phenylbutazone within the reserve blood sample, and Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone within the reserve portion of the urine sample.

Phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. It has analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory and fever suppression properties and is registered for use in horses by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.  The substance is, however, a prohibited substance under the Australian Rules of Racing when detected in a sample taken from a horse at a race meeting or trial (including an official trial or a jump-out for the purpose of obtaining a permit to start in a race).

RV Stewards initially informed Mr and Ms Jolly of the irregularity on 21 December 2023. Mr and Ms Jolly were informed on 22 January 2024 of the confirmatory findings and that Stewards are continuing their investigation.