Racing News  

��VICTORIUS�� INQUIRY

31/10/2016

On Friday, 28 October 2016, the Stewards concluded their inquiry into the circumstances for VICTORIUS being withdrawn from the Cassia Handicap conducted at the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 28 September 2016 following a report being issued by the Club’s Racing Laboratory that a pre-race urine sample taken from that horse had been found to be positive to diclofenac.  Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and the active ingredient in the human preparation sold under the trade name Voltaren.

Evidence was taken from Mr Y S Tsui, the trainer of VICTORIUS, and a stable assistant allocated to Mr Tsui’s stable for the current 2016/2017 season.  Written statements were also tendered by Dr E N M Ho, Deputy Head of Racing Laboratory and Dr P Curl, Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulation.

It was established that there were no metabolites of diclofenac found in the pre-race urine sample taken from VICTORIUS on the morning of Wednesday, 28 September 2016 which provided strong evidence that diclofenac did not pass through VICTORIUS’ system, rather this was consistent with the sample or sample receptacle being contaminated with the parent drug diclofenac before, during or after sample collection.  Further urine samples taken from VICTORIUS later on Wednesday, 28 September 2016 and Thursday, 29 September 2016 were both found to be negative to diclofenac.  The Stewards were satisfied that the bottle which contained the pre-race urine sample taken from VICTORIUS on 28 September 2016 was contaminated by the relevant member of Mr Tsui’s staff who had applied Voltaren to himself in the lead up to the pre-race sample being collected.  Accordingly, no further action was taken against Mr Tsui as at no time was VICTORIUS positive to diclofenac.  The relevant member of staff was advised that a report on this matter would be forwarded to Stables Management for their consideration.

All trainers will again be reminded of the importance of ensuring that all members of stable staff are aware of the measures which must be taken to ensure that the chances of cross-contamination between humans and horses are minimised.

 

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