Hvasstan returns positive swab after Alister Clark Stakes win

Trainer Peter Gelagotis will have to face Racing Victoria Stewards following the announcement that his three year old Hvasstan returned a positive swab following his win in the Group 2 $220,000 Sportingbet Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on March 15.

hvasstan

Hvasstan, above, returned a positive swab after winning the Alister Clark Stakes. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Racing Analytical Services Limited reported that Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, was present in both pre and post-race urine samples.

The drug Ibuprofen is a prohitited substance in accordance with the Australian Rules Of Racing and Gelagotis has been informed of the ongoing stewards investigation.

Gelagotis was expecting a good Autumn from Hvasstan after the three year old was very competitive in the Spring and after winning the Group 3 $150,000 Starlight Children’s Foundation Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 20 went on to finish fourth to Fiveandahalfstar in the Group 1 $1.5m AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 3.

At his second run back this campaign the Fastnet Rock colt finished just behind the placegetters when fourth to Ferlax in the Group 1 $500,000 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 2 before returning to the winner’s stall at Moonee Valley.

Gelagotis then took Hvasstan to Sydney but the three year old failed to fire, finishing well down the track behind Kiwi sensation It’s A Dundeel in both the Group 1 $500,000 M. J. Bale Rosehill Guineas (2000m) at Rosehill on March 30 and the Group 1 $1.5m David Jones Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 13.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.