Heathcote runners scratched from Doomben meet after morning stable inspection

23 April 2022

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards have commenced an inquiry following a report from the QRIC Integrity Investigative Team (IIT) regarding the alleged possession and administration of Hemoplex (containing cobalt salts) after a routine Race Day inspection at trainer Robert Heathcote’s stables this morning.

The use of Hemoplex (containing cobalt salts) has been banned since 1 May 2021.

Racing Australia’s view is that there is no place for injectable supplements containing cobalt salts in racing when there is no therapeutic rationale for their use.

Stewards will allege that an examination of the stable’s treatment book indicated that Mr Heathcote’s runners set to race at Doomben today, Crymenotears, Prince of Boom, Startantes and Starvirgo had received an injection of a product containing cobalt salts on 16 April 2022.

After taking initial evidence from the IIT officers and Mr Heathcote, Stewards considered the matter and subsequently scratched all four runners from today’s Doomben Race meeting acting under AR254A (2).

If the Stewards are satisfied that a horse has been, or is likely to have been, administered a product containing cobalt salts by injection, the Stewards may prevent the horse from starting in any race, official trial or jump out.

Samples have been taken from the four horses for analysis and the inquiry adjourned for a date to be fixed.

ENDS.

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