RV Stewards' Reports - Nathan Dunn, Lee & Shannon Hope & Edward 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 Nathan Dunn trained racehorse, Inthelapofthegods.

The report relates to a post-race sample taken from Inthelapofthegods after running in the Betavet Handicap over 2445 metres (Race 8) at Mornington Racecourse on 12 May 2025, where the gelding finished first.

RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Formestane and its metabolite 4-Hydroxytestosterone, and 6a-hydroxyandrost-4-ene 3, 17-dione, which are prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.

Formestane is an aromatase inhibitor and an anti-estrogenic substance. 4-Hydroxytestosterone is a derivative of testosterone and is classified as an anabolic steroid.  Formestane is not registered or approved for use in animals by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Formestane and its metabolite, 4-Hydroxytestosterone, and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-ene3, 17-dione within the reserve portion of the urine sample.

RV Stewards initially informed Mr Dunn of the irregularity on 3 July 2025. Mr Dunn has since been informed of the confirmatory findings and that the Stewards are continuing their investigation.

As the detection of 4-Hydroxytestosterone in the sample has been confirmed, Australian Rule (AR) 248(4) of the Rules of Racing has been applied to the horse. 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 the sample is collected and subject to further provisions in the Rule.

The Stewards have written to both the managing owner and Mr Dunn and offered them an opportunity to make submissions regarding the application of AR 248(4). Any submissions received will be considered by the Stewards in due course.

Conclusion

The Stewards’ investigation into the sample referred to within this report remains ongoing. As per standard practice, a thorough investigative process is being conducted without a set timeline.

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.

RV Stewards' Report - Lee & Shannon Hope

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 Lee and Shannon Hope trained racehorse, Iluvcoffee.

The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Iluvcoffee after running in the Mulwala Water Ski Club Handicap over 1606 metres (Race 6) at Benalla Racecourse on 14 April 2025, where the gelding finished first of nine runners.

RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Formestane and its metabolite, 4-Hydroxytestosterone, and 6a-hydroxyandrost-4-ene 3, 17-dione, which are prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.

Formestane is an aromatase inhibitor and an anti-estrogenic substance, whilst 4-Hydroxytestosterone is a derivative of testosterone and is classified as an anabolic steroid. Accordingly, the substances are prohibited at all times under the Rules of Racing. Furthermore, Formestane is not registered or approved for use in animals by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) also reported that it had detected Formestane and its metabolite, 4-Hydroxytestosterone, and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-ene3, 17-dione within the reserve portion of the urine sample.

RV Stewards initially informed Mr. Lee and Mr. Shannon Hope of the irregularity on 19 June 2025 and they have since been informed of the confirmatory findings and that the Stewards are continuing their investigation

As the detection of 4-Hydroxytestosterone in the sample has been confirmed, Australian Rule (AR) 248(4) of the Rules of Racing has been applied to the horse. 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 the sample is collected and subject to further provisions in the Rule.

The Stewards have written to both the managing owner and Mr Lee and Shannon Hope and offered them an opportunity to make submissions regarding the application of AR 248(4). Any submissions received will be considered by the Stewards in due course.

Conclusion

The Stewards’ investigation into the sample referred to within this report remains ongoing. As per standard practice, a thorough investigative process is being conducted without a set timeline.

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.

RV Stewards' Report - Edward Keating

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have concluded an investigation into the conduct of former jockey, Edward Keating, whilst licensed in Victoria during the relevant period. Mr Keating is no longer a licensed person in Victoria.

The Stewards have charged Mr Keating pursuant to Australian Rule (AR) 233, which relevantly states:

AR 233 Other misconduct offences

A person must not:
 …
(c) engage in sexual harassment of a person employed, engaged in, or participating in the racing industry.

The particulars of the charge can be summarised as follows:

• At all relevant times, Mr Keating was a jumps jockey licensed by Racing Victoria.

• In or around December 2024, Mr Keating engaged in sexual harassment towards an employee of a stable in Victoria.

The charge issued against Mr Keating has been referred to and will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.