Moe based trainer to fight charges

Trainer Russell Cluning, based in Moe, has declared his intention to contest four charges linked to a pre-race blood sample collected from one of his horses last year.

According to Racing Victoria stewards, Cluning is accused of either administering or facilitating the administration of prohibited alkalising agents to his horse Cable Glow before a 1600-meter maiden race at Swan Hill on June 11. The gelding subsequently finished third in the race.

Responding to Racing.com’s request for comment on the charges, Cluning conveyed his disappointment via text on Monday afternoon. He stated, “Disappointed with charges given reserve sample is below threshold once measure of uncertainty is applied. Intend to challenge all charges.”

Racing Victoria stewards first notified Cluning of the Regulatory Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) findings on June 15, 2023. Subsequently, he was further informed of the confirmatory analysis by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) on June 19, 2023.

The charges leveled against Cluning are scheduled to be adjudicated before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date yet to be determined. The charges are as follows:

Charge One: AR 244 Administration of prohibited substance to affect race performance;
Charge Two: AR 245 Administration of prohibited substance in sample taken from horse before/after running in race (Alternative to Charge 1);
Charge Three: AR 247 Administration of alkalinising agents (Alternative to Charges 1 & 2); and
Charge Four: AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting (Alternative to Charges 1, 2 & 3).
Cluning’s decision to contest the charges underscores his commitment to challenging the allegations and defending his position in this matter.