Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have announced that the Jarrod Robinson-trained racehorse, Zoffala, has tested positive for prohibited substances following a pre-trial blood sample collected on September 30, 2024, at Ararat Racecourse.
The Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) report confirmed the presence of Frusemide, Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone, and Gamma-Hydroxyphenylbutazone in the sample. These findings were independently verified by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, which tested a reserve sample and confirmed the same substances.
Frusemide is a diuretic used to reduce fluid retention. Phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing properties. Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma-Hydroxyphenylbutazone are metabolites of Phenylbutazone that share similar effects.
While these substances are registered for veterinary use in horses by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), their detection in samples taken at races, official trials, or jump-outs for race permit purposes is strictly prohibited under the Australian Rules of Racing.
On September 30, 2024, a blood sample was collected from Zoffala prior to its scheduled trial at Ararat. RV Stewards notified Jarrod Robinson of the initial findings on November 13, 2024. Reserve sample testing confirmed the presence of the prohibited substances.
RV Stewards are continuing their investigation into the irregularities. Further actions will be determined based on the outcome of this inquiry.
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