Stewards probe landmark nicotine positive ahead of spring
Stewards are investigating a rare nicotine positive, with prizemoney withheld and potential charges looming in what could be a landmark case.
Racing NSW stewards are set to run a landmark case into a positive swab to nicotine, which could have an impact on major races during the spring.
The drug, which is considered a stimulant, was detected in a swab earlier this year and has been referred to an integrity consultancy panel, including vets and Racing NSW lawyers.
The testing process has become so effective that it can detect prohibited substances in minute quantities. There is no threshold for nicotine within the rules of racing. Nicotine is a prohibited substance in racing.
The panel are expected to give directions if the case will proceed in the next week and as yet it is believed the B sample has not been tested.
Betsy has been in contact with the horse’s connections, who have already sought legal advice in relation to the case and are preparing to fight any charges.
The winning prizemoney has been withheld from the horse’s connections for a number of months, and they are still waiting to see if the stewards will issue charges.
The cloud over the horse has become extremely frustrating for its trainer and owners heading into the spring, with the horse working towards major races.
There have only been three nicotine cases prosecuted in racing in Australia and New Zealand, and this case would be the most high-profile if it goes ahead.
It would be the first nicotine case in NSW.
