Matt Laurie has issued a statement in the wake of one of his horses returning a positive swab to Ice in a winning a race in country Victoria.
Racing Victoria stewards revealed on Monday that Shockaholic had tested positive to methamphetamine after winning at Echuca on April 24.
Laurie suggested in his statement that cross-contamination could be blamed for the swab.
The trainer and his staff have provided urine samples for analysis.
“The report has identified an important issue for the racing industry in respect of the use of prohibited substances by persons involved in the industry and the potential for contamination of the horses in their care,” the statement said.
“There is no reason to believe that the racing industry is isolated from the prevalence of drug use in the community generally.”
Because an inquiry is ongoing, Laurie said he would be making no further comment.
Scone trainer Luke Griffiths was last month banned for four years after three of his horses tested positive to methamphetamine.
In handing down the penalty, Racing NSW stewards found Griffith did not deliberately treat the horses with the illegal drug.
However the trainer pleaded guilty to providing personal samples containing banned substances.
