Queens prize horse tests positive for banned substances

The Queen’s Estimate filly, winner of last year’s Ascot Gold Cup, has tested positive for banned substance morphine. The British Horseracing Authority said that a number of post-race samples obtained from recent meets have found, upon analysis of the ‘A’ samples, to have morphine, prohibited under raceday regulations. Although permitted for use in-training, five horses have so far tested positive for alleged race day breaches.

The board will not release any further information regarding the identity of the horses, trainers and owners involved, until they carry out their own investigation. However, John Warren, the Queen’s bloodstock and racing advisor, said he believed the positive test may have resulted from the consumption of a contaminated feed product.

“Sir Michael [trainer Sir Michael Stoute] is working closely with the feed company involved to discover how the product may have become contaminated prior to delivery to his stables.

“As the BHA investigates this matter, including potential links between the different cases, Sir Michael continues to offer his full co-operation,” he added.

Meanwhile, a notice from the racing authority read: “BHA are investigating whether – owing to the cluster of the cases and the substance involved – there may be any link between the cases and, if so, what that link might be. Owing to the shared characteristics of these cases it is not possible to rule out the reporting of further positive detections from post-race samples obtained in recent weeks. BHA have been in communication with the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and trainers of the horses in question on this matter.

“Once all processes have been completed the cases will be put before a Disciplinary Panel who will decide what action, if any, should be taken. This may include the disqualification of the horses in question from the relevant races.”