Archie Alexander has been suspended for six weeks and fined $3000 by the Victorian Racing Tribunal following a positive swab result from one of his horses, Sylvan Sisterhood, who was found to have Naproxen in her system after a race on October 16, 2022.
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is heavily regulated in horse racing.
Alexander had previously received a suspended six-week suspension, but it was activated following the positive swab result.
He confirmed the suspension in a letter to his owners and announced that he would not appeal the decision.
The suspension is set to begin on Friday, but the stable is hoping to delay it by a few days to put interim logistical plans in place.
The horses under his care during the suspension period are likely to be transferred to Dan O’Sullivan’s stable.
The Alexander stable had worked closely with stewards following the positive swab return and has since established a strict personal hygiene policy for staff members.
The positive swab result came as a result of cross-contamination, with a staff member who was on feeding duties taking over-the-counter medication for knee pain.
