Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have handed down a 12-month racing ban to Hard To Cross, a horse trained by Patrick Payne, following the detection of prohibited substances, including anabolic steroids, in post-race samples.
The ban prohibits the horse from competing until May 25, 2025, contingent upon the submission of a clearance certificate confirming compliance.
The investigation was initiated after samples were collected from Hard To Cross following its victories in two races at Sportsbet Sandown Hillside: the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap on May 15, 2024, and the Tile Importer Handicap on May 25, 2024. Subsequent testing revealed the presence of Formestane and its metabolites, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene-3, 17-Dione, substances classified as anabolic steroids under the Australian Rules of Racing.
Stewards notified Patrick Payne of the irregularities on June 25 and July 5, 2024, before confirmatory results were received.
Following this, RV Stewards requested submissions from Payne and the managing owner concerning AR 248(4), which mandates a minimum 12-month ban for horses found with anabolic androgenic steroids in their systems.
This rule also requires a clearance certificate before the horse can return to competition.
After consulting with legal counsel and stakeholders, the Stewards enforced AR 248(4), disqualifying Hard To Cross until the stipulated conditions are met.
While the immediate decision pertains to the ban, the broader circumstances surrounding the positive tests remain under investigation.
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