Trainer Maxim Van Lierde charged after Gentian Blue test

Gentian Blue
Gentian Blue (NZ) on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Evergreen Turf Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse on August 31, 2024 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos)

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have charged trainer Maxim Van Lierde with two breaches of the Australian Rules of Racing, following their investigation into matters concerning his horse, Gentian Blue.

The charges relate to the detection of a prohibited substance and a failure to maintain treatment records as required.

Charge One: AR 240(2) – Prohibited Substance Detected

Under Australian Rule of Racing 240(2), it is an offence if a horse brought to a racecourse for a race is found to have a prohibited substance in its system, either before or after competing.

The particulars of this charge are as follows:

  • On 31 August 2024, Gentian Blue was brought to Caulfield Racecourse and ran in Race 3, the Evergreen Turf BM78 Handicap over 1800 metres, finishing fourth.
  • A pre-race urine sample taken on the same day revealed the presence of 3-Hydroxylignocaine and Norlignocaine, metabolites of Lignocaine.
  • Lignocaine, a prohibited substance under Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (Prohibited List B) of the Australian Rules of Racing, is commonly used as a local anaesthetic and for its analgesic and antiarrhythmic properties.
  • The analysis of the sample was conducted by Racing Analytical Services Limited and confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory.


    Charge Two: AR 104(1) – Failure to Record Treatment

    Australian Rule of Racing 104(1) requires trainers to maintain accurate and timely records of any medication or treatment administered to horses in their care.

    The particulars of this charge are as follows:

  • On 27 and 28 August 2024, Gentian Blue was treated with a topical cream, SOOV, for a recurring leg wound.
  • Mr. Van Lierde failed to record these treatments by midnight on the day of administration, as stipulated by AR 104(1).
  • The charges will be heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date yet to be determined.
  • This matter serves as a reminder of the importance of strict compliance with the Australian Rules of Racing, both in maintaining treatment records and ensuring that horses presented for racing are free of prohibited substances.


    Horse racing news


    Related posts