Racing NSW Stewards have completed an inquiry into the analyst's finding of the prohibited substance synephrine in the post-race urine sample taken from St Luke subsequent to that gelding winning the Coolmore Benchmark 56 Handicap at Scone Racecourse on the Sunday, 18th March 2018.
Evidence was taken from licensed trainer Mrs Michelle Fleming, trainer of St Luke, owner Mr Graham Dorrstein and written evidence was submitted from Dr Craig Suann, Racing NSW's Senior Official Veterinarian.
Acting under the powers of AR177, St Luke was disqualified from its first placing in the Coolmore Benchmark 56 Handicap at the Scone Race Club meeting on Sunday, 18th March 2018, and the placings amended to read:
1st - Al Cubana
2nd - Miss Redoble
3rd - Boolaroo
4th - Vihari
Mrs Fleming pleaded to a charge under AR178, in that she as the trainer of St Luke at all relevant times, leading up to and including the 18th March 2018, did bring St Luke to Scone Racecourse on 18th March 2018 for the purpose of engaging in the Coolmore Benchmark 56 Handicap (1600m) and after competing, and being successful in that event, St Luke delivered a sample of its urine which was found upon analysis to contain the prohibited substance synephrine.
Taking into account all the factors, including synephrine being detected in weed and plant samples taken from the property where St Luke is stabled, the current drought conditions and the established manner that St Luke was able to access the vegetation which contained synephrine, despite the efforts of Mrs Fleming to prevent this and her co-operation throughout the investigation into this finding, Mrs Fleming was reprimanded.