Stewards' Report - Jim Conlan 

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance was detected in a sample collected from the Jim Conlan trained racehorse, ‘Wealdstone’.

The report relates to a pre-race blood sample taken from ‘Wealdstone’ prior to running in the ‘Ground Screws Victoria Handicap’ (Race 7) over 2050 metres at Mornington Racecourse on 6 December 2024.  

RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain Caffeine and its metabolites Theophylline and Theobromine, which are prohibited substances on race day in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.

The Australian Racing Forensics Laboratory also reported that it had detected Caffeine and its metabolites, Theophylline and Theobromine, within the reserve portion of the blood sample. 

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant of the methylxanthine class. It is mainly used as

a eugeroic or as a mild cognitive enhancer to increase alertness and attentional performance.

RV Stewards initially informed Mr Conlan of the irregularity on 17 January 2025. Mr Conlan has been informed of the confirmatory findings, and that the Stewards are continuing their investigation.