RV Stewards' Report - Lloyd Kennewell

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 Lloyd Kennewell trained racehorse, Nursery Chime.
 

The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Nursery Chime after running in the ModTech Handicap over 1500 metres (Race 7) at Mornington Racecourse on 18 September 2025, where the mare finished first of ten 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. 

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-ene 3, 17-dione within the reserve portion of the urine sample. 

RV Stewards initially informed Mr. Kennewell of the irregularity on 11 November 2025. Mr. Kennewell 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. Kennewell and offered them an opportunity to make submissions regarding the application of AR 248(4).

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.