Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have this morning been advised by the David Aiken Stable that blood samples taken from Hectorjayjay leading in to this Saturday nights ‘Neatline Homes Shepparton Gold Cup’ have revealed the gelding to be displaying possible signs of a viral infection.
The Aiken Stable have reported that Hectorjayjay today is not displaying an elevated temperature or other signs of a viral infection, however stable veterinarian Dr Simon Robinson has recommended further blood samples be collected from the gelding.
In accordance with Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 196B(1) which states:
196B. (1) A person shall not without the permission of the Stewards within one (1) clear day of the commencement of a race administer, attempt to administer or cause to be administered an injection to a horse nominated for that race.
The HRV Stewards have given permission for blood samples to be taken from Hectorjayjay by a registered veterinarian within one clear day of the race for the above purposes. The extraction is to occur under the supervision of a HRV Steward.
The results of the blood analysis should be known by mid-morning tomorrow with the results of such notified publicly as soon as possible.
In allowing this timeframe the HRV Stewards are mindful of the lack of an emergency runner.
