By: Isaac Ling
An inquiry has been opened after a horse was scratched from Saturday’s Belmont meeting when vets noticed an unusual odour emanating from its muzzle and nostril area.
Acting on vets advice, stewards withdrew Travinator ($17) from the TABTouch Masters Handicap (1000m) at the barriers, with The West Australian reporting there were allegations the substance was Vicks VapoRub. Vicks VapoRub is banned under the rules of racing.
Trainer Daniel Pearce told stewards he applied a “eucalyptus smelling ointment” as a fly repellent to the gelding’s head in the stall area before the race.
Stipes searched Pearce’s bag and a tub of “Nature’s Botanical Ointment” was found and taken for analytical purposes.
Nasal swabs and a urine sample were also taken and sent to the ChemCentre for analysis.
A date is yet to be fixed for the inquiry.
