RV Stewards' Reports - John Leek Jnr & Pulveriser

Stewards' Report - John Leek Jnr

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards, subsequent to their investigation, have issued a charge against John Leek Jnr, as the trainer of ‘The Storyteller’ (the Horse), pursuant to Australian Rule (AR) 255(1)(c)(i) of the Rules of Racing, which relevantly states the following:

Charge: AR 255 Stomach-tubing prohibited at certain times

(1)  A person must not, without permission of the Stewards:
…
(c) attempt to stomach-tube;
…
a horse engaged to run in a race, official trial or jump-out:

(i) at any time on the day of the race, official trial or jump-out and prior to the start of that event;
…

The particulars of the charge are summarised as follows:

• On 24 July 2025, the Horse was engaged to race at the Warrnambool Racecourse in Race 7, the ‘Wilsons Real Estate BM70 Handicap’, over 3100 metres (the Race).
   
• On 24 July 2025, prior to the start of the Race, Mr Leek Jnr attempted to stomach tube the Horse.

Stomach-tubing (nasogastric intubation) is a procedure where a soft rubber tube is passed through a horse’s nostril into the stomach. This procedure can be used for veterinary purposes and is also used as a method of administering fluids, electrolytes and/or vitamins. Stomach-tubing is not permitted at any time on the day of a race, trial or jump out and prior to the start of the event without the permission of the Stewards.

The charge issued against Mr Leek Jnr will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.

Stewards' Report - Pulveriser

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards today concluded their inquiry into the reasons for Pulveriser falling near the 700m and dislodging its rider, Tom Prebble, in The Midfield Group BM62 Handicap (Race 8) at Warrnambool on 9 September 2025.

On that day, evidence was taken from riders Jake Noonan (Sephia), Jarrod Fry (Handshake) and Jordyn Weatherley (Idontgetit) who were riding in the race and determined closest to the incident, along with Mr Andrew Bobbin as the trainer of Pulveriser.

Following the incident, Stewards inspected the section of the racing surface near the 700m and found no areas of concern.

A post-race veterinary examination of Pulveriser did not reveal any abnormalities and a post-race swab sample confirmed that the horse was presented free of any prohibited substances.

Further evidence was provided after 9 September by Mr Bobbin who advised that the gelding was sound and well leading into the race. Mr Bobbin also provided Stewards with the veterinary and treatment records for Pulveriser, which included a satisfactory veterinary report from the Ballarat Veterinary Practice on 28 August.

Stewards also considered evidence provided by rider Will Gordon who had ridden Pulveriser at its previous race start at Swan Hill on 24 August where the gelding finished 11th of 12, beaten 15.26 lengths. A post-race veterinary examination on that occasion also failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Stewards also recently interviewed Tom Prebble, who provided further evidence as the rider of the gelding.

Stewards determined that Pulveriser, which was racing near the rear of the field, knuckled and fell approaching the 700m, resulting in Tom Prebble being dislodged.

Based on the evidence presented, Stewards determined that no rider was at fault and that there was no pre-existing condition that caused Pulveriser to fall near the 700m. The inquiry was therefore concluded.

A veterinary clearance is required, and Pulveriser must complete in an official trial to the Stewards satisfaction before being permitted to race again.