Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne has been charged by Racing Victoria after a urinary sample from a horse she trained, Jukila, tested positive for prohibited levels of an anti-inflammatory drug.
The sample was taken before the horse won a race at the Bendigo Cup day meeting last year, with Payne competing as both jockey and trainer.
Payne said a vet had administered the drug to treat a sinus problem that had caused the horse to display erratic movements.
“It’s just a learning curve for me to give extra time to what is recommended. Obviously, you’re trying to be your best and do everything for the owner and the horse, but you’ve just got to be super careful.” Payne said.
“I should have probably contacted an RVL vet … it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Racing Victoria charged Payne with breaching racing rules because the horse presented on race day with the prohibited substance. The charge does not carry a minimum mandatory penalty.
The case will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal at a later date.