An announcement on whether Racing Victoria decides to proceed with the state’s first arsenic irregularity case will be made before Christmas and the trainer named.
Integrity Services general manager Dayle Brown said on Monday that all the evidence available to stewards had to be considered and the process had to run its course.
“The case is still proceeding and exhausting all avenues. It hasn’t hit a hurdle,” Brown said.
“An announcement will be made prior to Christmas.”
The trainer involved will be named whether the case proceeds or not for reasons of transparency.
An irregularity to arsenic in a post-race urine sample was detected from a feature race winner at Moonee Valley on Manikato Stakes night, September 30.
Racing Victoria stewards were advised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory of the irregularity and it was made public on Cox Plate Day, October 22.
Brown said RVL was continuing its search to find another suitable laboratory to test the reserve sample.
The Rules Of Racing state samples are to be analysed only by an official racing laboratory.
But the Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory is the only known facility that tests for arsenic.
Stewards can proceed with an inquiry with confirmation from just one laboratory.
Arsenic at a mass concentration in excess of 0.30 milligrams per litre in urine is considered a prohibited substance in accordance with the provisions of Australian Rule of Racing 178C.
Arsenic is a poisonous heavy metal and is regarded as a tonic in small doses.
AAP TURF
