One of Australia’s highest-profile race horses – Alligator Blood – has returned an irregularity to a banned drug after its Magic Millions Guineas win in January.
The horse, who is trained by David Vandyke, returned an irregularity to prohibited substance Altrenogest after the win on the Gold Coast in January.
Altrenogest, also known as Regumate, is banned for all male horses under current Australia racing rules.
Vandyke said the drug had "never been used to my knowledge" on the high-profile horse.
"I was informed today that Alligator Blood has returned an irregularity to altrenogest after his win on 11 January at the Gold Coast," Vandyke said in a statement.
"There is a B sample under review.
"Altrenogest is a drug that has never been used to my knowledge on Alligator Blood or any male horse in our stable.
"It is used in our stable under the brand name Ovumate and is given to some female horses under our care with accurate records kep surrounding administration.
"Those records have been given to QRIC.
"We are in the process of reviewing our security and stable management.
"There will be no further comment as we await the result of the B sample."
Alligator Blood has won 10 of its 12 races but his long preparation got the better of him as he fell away to finish 10th in last Saturday’s All-Star Mile at Caulfield.