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.