Racing Victoria stewards charge trainer Robert Hickmott

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have issued charges against trainer Robert Hickmott following their investigation into the racehorse Haaland, under Australian Rules of Racing 240(2) and 104(1).

Charge One: Prohibited Substance in Racehorse

Under AR 240(2), trainers breach the Australian Rules of Racing if a horse is found with a prohibited substance from Prohibited List A and/or Prohibited List B in its system during a race. The specific details of this charge against Hickmott are as follows:

• On 11 February 2024, Haaland participated in Race 5, the Agnes Banks Equine Clinic Handicap over 2200 meters at Bendigo Racecourse, where it finished first.
• Post-race, a urine sample taken from Haaland revealed the presence of Procaine.
• Procaine, a local anesthetic and CNS stimulant, is listed as a prohibited substance under Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (Prohibited List B) of the Australian Rules of Racing.
• The presence of Procaine was confirmed by both Racing Analytical Services Limited and the Racing Science Centre.
• Procaine is typically found in penicillin-containing products and is prescription-only, dispensed by veterinarians. Its detection in racehorses is prohibited.

Charge Two: Inadequate Treatment Records

Under AR 104(1), trainers are required to maintain comprehensive records of all treatments administered to horses in their care. The specifics of this charge include:

• On 28 March 2024, Hickmott was asked by Stewards to provide treatment records for Haaland.
• The records provided did not include all necessary details of medications or treatments administered, as stipulated by AR 104(1).

These charges will be addressed before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date yet to be determined.