New Zealand trainer Stephen Autridge has been fined for breaking treatment rules with Xtravagant ahead of his disappointing effort in Saturday’s Group II Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington.
Stephen Autridge (right) with trainer partner Jamie Richards. Photo: NZ Racing
Stewards inquired into a report from the Compliance Assurance Team, who conducted a stable inspection at Flemington on Friday.
Autridge, who trains Xtravagant in partnership with Jamie Richards, confirmed the horse had been given 30 milligrams of Neutradex, an alkalinising agent, in breach of AR178AA(2)(c) which prohibits the administration of alkalinising products within one clear day of racing.
After taking advice from the Racing Victoria Veterinary Department that 30 milligrams of Neutradex would have a negligible effect on elevating the TCO2 level of Xtravagant, Stewards permitted the horse to start after pre-race blood and urine samples were taken.
Autridge was fined $500.
Xtravagant started $6.50 and finished a clear last, Damien Oliver telling stewards the horse did not feel right in its action during the race and may be better suited racing around a turn.
Autridge could only attribute the disappointing performance to racing on the straight course and would conduct a full veterinary examination on Xtravagant and notify Stewards of the results.
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