The RWWA Stewards today received a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) in Sydney in relation to the testing of the contents of a package sent to Trainer/Driver Mr. C Hall on the 14 June 2007.
The package contained two boxes of eight (8) pre-filled syringes. The boxes were labelled ARANESP (darbepoetin alpha).
The ARFL's screening indicated a positive reaction to darbepoetin and/or erythropoetin (EPO) both prohibited substances in horse racing. The ARFL reported in part:
"The screening test for EPO, which also detects darbepoetin, gave positive results for these samples".
After consideration the Stewards have directed that the pre-filled syringes labelled ARANESP undergo confirmatory testing by the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory in Sydney in relation to limited aspects of analysis. Results of this testing is expected to be available in two (2) weeks.
Further, Stewards also reconsidered the "stand-down" order currently applying to Trainer/Driver Mr C. Hall. Given the report from the ARFL and the seriousness of this matter, the Stewards directed the "stand-down" order remain.
JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
ASCOT WA 6104
Ph: (08) 92770777
