Racing Victoria Stewards have issued a charge against trainer John Leek Jnr following an investigation into an alleged race-day breach involving his horse, The Storyteller.
Leek Jnr has been charged under Australian Rule 255(1)(c)(i), which prohibits any person from attempting to stomach-tube a horse on the day of a race, official trial or jump-out without prior permission from stewards.
According to RV, the incident occurred on 24 July 2025, when The Storyteller was engaged to run in Race 7 — the ‘Wilsons Real Estate BM70 Handicap’ over 3100 metres — at Warrnambool.
Stewards allege that prior to the start of the race, Leek Jnr attempted to stomach-tube the horse. Stomach-tubing, or nasogastric intubation, involves inserting a soft rubber tube through a horse’s nostril and into the stomach to administer fluids, electrolytes or vitamins. While the procedure can have legitimate veterinary applications, it is strictly prohibited on race-day without explicit steward approval.
RV emphasised that the rule exists to protect horse welfare and ensure the integrity of racing performance, with no raceday administration of substances allowed unless authorised.
The charge against Leek Jnr has been formally referred to the Victorian Racing Tribunal, where a hearing date will be set in due course.
