Zaaki disqualified from JRA Plate after returning a positive test to an anti-inflammatory

Trainer Annabel Neasham has vowed to review her stable’s veterinary treatment procedures after being fined following a positive swab returned by emerging superstar Zaaki following a Randwick loss during the Sydney autumn carnival.

Zaaki returned a positive pre-race blood sample to the anti-inflammatory meloxicam before his second placing to Paths Of Glory in the JRA Plate.

Significantly, Zaaki’s post-race urine sample returned a negative result.

Racing NSW stewards held an inquiry into the incident on Thursday and determined that Neasham was guilty under AR240(2) of having presented Zaaki to race at Royal Randwick on April 24 with a pre-race blood sample taken from the gelding found to contain the prohibited substance meloxicam.

The trainer was fined $7000.

Stewards also announced Zaaki was disqualified as runner-up with Hang Man and Polly Grey elevated into the minor placings behind Paths Of Glory.

Zaaki then reeled off three successive wins in the Hollindale Stakes, Doomben Cup and Q22 and is rated one of the most exciting weight-for-age horses in Australian racing.

Neasham, who has had a sensational debut season as a trainer, preparing 27 winners including Group 1 successes with Zaaki (Doomben Cup) and Mo’unga (Rosehill Guineas), attended the stewards inquiry then later issued a statement to the media where she accepted responsibility for the incident.

“I am extremely disappointed to get this news, not only because it undermines the standard of integrity and professionalism the stable represents and that everyone in the team strives to achieve, but also for Zaaki’s owners who are great friends and supporters,’’ Neasham said.

“Meloxicam is a widely used veterinary-prescribed therapeutic medication that is given to horses as an anti-inflammatory, and often given post galloping.

“Zaaki was routinely given the treatment after his final Tuesday gallop, as is common practice for many stables.

“Subsequently, the results that have been returned from his wins in Queensland were negative.’’

Annabel Neasham was fined $7000. Picture: Trackside PhotographySource:Supplied

Neasham said she has the “utmost respect for the Racing NSW Stewards and their integrity process and accept full responsibility for this unfortunate result.’’

“It is a steep learning curve and to mitigate future risk I will be reviewing all our processes to ensure this does not happen again, which will include lowering our dosage level of meloxicam,’’ Neasham said.

“I look forward to moving past this and continuing to develop the record and reputation of the stable.’’

In determining penalty, stewards took into account Neasham’s guilty plea and co-operation with stewards, and her relative inexperience as a licensed trainer.

Stewards also took evidence from veterinarian Dr Toby Koenig that Zaaki was administered meloxicam above the manufacturer‘s recommended dosage, but Neasham had adhered to advertised withdrawal times for the substance.

Originally published asZaaki disqualified, Neasham fined over positive swab

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