RV Stewards' Report - Rhonda Mangan

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 Rhonda Mangan trained racehorse, Sports Choice.
 

The report relates to a blood sample taken from Sports Choice when it was presented to race in the Carters Transport BM52 Handicap over 1200 metres (Race 5) at Hamilton Racecourse on 29 May 2025, where the gelding was a late scratching by order of the Stewards.

RASL reported that the blood sample was shown to contain total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.

The Racing Chemistry Laboratory (RCL) confirmed that the blood sample was shown to contain TCO2 at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma within the reserve portion of the blood sample. 

Alkalinising agents, when evidenced by TCO2 above the threshold of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, are a prohibited substance pursuant to Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Australian Rules of Racing.

RV Stewards informed Ms Mangan of the RASL findings on 4 June 2025 and the RCL findings on 5 June 2025. The Stewards are continuing their investigation.