Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry Trainer Ms Julie Clements
RWWA Stewards today commenced the inquiry into the ChemCentre report that flunixin had been detected in the blood sample taken from MODERN NEWS at Pinjarra on 20 December 2018 after it competed in and won Race 3.
This finding having been verified by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL – NSW).
Flunixin is classed as a therapeutic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Evidence was heard at the inquiry from ChemCentre Analyst Ms E Cook, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr J Medd, RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr Criddle and trainer Ms Julie Clements.
ChemCentre Analyst Ms Cook affirmed that following comprehensive re-analysis, which included full quantification of the sample using a refreshed certified reference standard, including a deuterated internal standard, that the sample was found to contain flunixin at a level of 1.5ng/mL which is in excess of the plasma screening limit of 1ng/mL.
Accordingly she advised that the Certificate of Analysis issued by the ChemCentre remained valid.
The inquiry was adjourned at the request of Ms Clements in order for her to obtain further documentary evidence from the Laboratories with respect to the analysis of the sample.
Ms Clements was advised to specify in writing the nature of the material requested in order to ensure the precise information can be requested and obtained.