RV Stewards to conduct inquiries into Ballarat track riders returning positive results to banned substances

Racing Victoria has stood down three Ballarat track riders who returned a positive result to “banned substances”.

A further three riders have been stood down, taking the total number to six, pending test results.

The irregular results comes after the latest round of routine testing, conducted recently, at the Ballarat training centre.

The undisclosed “banned substances” could be either illicit or performance enhancing drugs.

RV chief steward Robert Cram said 65 samples were taken from track riders a few weeks ago.

“There’s three inquiries today that have been confirmed from the analysts,” Cram said.

“There’s another three stood down, waiting for the samples to be confirmed.

“This is standard procedure for sampling track riders.

“Samples are taken all year round and we get a small percentage come back confirmed of a banned substance.”

The standing down of riders, which could potentially include one or more licensed jockeys, led to a shortage or riders at Ballarat this morning.

Ballarat has grown into a large and successful regional training centre, with leading stables including Archie Alexander, Matt Cumani, Dan O’Sullivan and most recently Tony and Calvin McEvoy.

A Victorian apprentice jockey was disqualified in January for six months after a positive sample.

Originally published asStewards: Ballarat track riders stood down after irregular drug tests

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