CUMMINGS RECEIVES FINE FOR POSITIVE SWAB

James Cumming fined by stewards

The positive swab refers to a test taken from Savatiano after winning the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes in 2021. Having tested positive Savatiano was subsequently disqualified from the race and Cummings fined.

Savatiano tested positive to banned steroidal substances trendione, trenbolone and epitrenbolone. The three prohibited substances are linked to the drug Altrenogest, which regulates the fertility cycle in mares.

During the inquiry, Godolphin legal counsel Tim Boyle told the hearing that the powerhouse stables records show that there was no veterinary treatment given to the horse in the 48 hours in the lead up to the race.

After a review of stable CCTV the inquiry was also unable to shed any light on the situation.

While it was confirmed that there was nothing administered to the Godolphin runner in the 48 hours leading up to the race Boyle did concede that there was no footage of her transport to the track or when arriving on track to compete in the Group 1 feature.

“This is a case of no one knows what has happened,” Boyle told the hearing.

Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel didn’t challenge Boyle’s submissions.

“We’re satisfied this is not a situation where we have an administration of an anabolic,” he said when handing down penalty.

“We agree that this is a case where we can’t establish the reasons as to why we have prohibited substances being detected.”

As a result of Savatiano being disqualified, the Anothing Cummings trained Mizzy was promoted to winner, Masked Crusader moving to second and fellow Godolphin runner promoted to Third.

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