Inquiry into an irregularity in the urine sample provided by Jockey A Starke at Sha Tin on 16 December 2001

18 December 2001

In accordance with usual practice, at the Happy Valley meeting on Wednesday 12 December 2001, a random draw was conducted to establish which riders would be required to provide urine samples for testing regarding the presence of prohibited substances. This draw was conducted by Jockey W M Lai in the presence of Stipendiary Steward S B Kam, the duty nurse and the duty Security staff.

One of the riders drawn out to provide a sample was Jockey A Starke. Upon analysis the Club's Senior Racing Chemist, Dr T S M Wan, said an irregularity was detected, but because of the insufficient quantity of urine he was not able to perform the necessary definitive tests and accordingly was not able to provide the Racing Stewards with a written report confirming the prohibited substance he had seen. However, he did say whilst he would not report the sample as positive there was a clear indication of the presence of a prohibited substance. Today Dr Wan officially reported this sample as negative.

With this information in hand the Racing Stewards directed A Starke, in addition to those randomly selected, provide a further sample at the Sha Tin meeting on Sunday 16 December 2001. The sample was sent to the Club's Racing Laboratory for analysis.

Dr Wan today advised that this sample contained a prohibited substance. Jockey A Starke was advised of the analyst's finding, and has requested the reserve portion of the sample be tested by an independent laboratory. This portion of the sample will be sent to the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia for further analytical work.

The Racing Stewards have decided it would be inappropriate for them to publicly announce the analyst's finding at this time. A further statement will be made when the independent analyst's report is received.

The Racing Stewards have exercised the powers they have under Rule 60(3) and have decided to stand Jockey Starke down from riding until an inquiry into the irregularity has been determined.

The matter is now adjourned to a date to be fixed.