A horse trained by Chris Waller has returned an initial positive test to the party drug ice.
Chris Waller – waiting on information
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the trainer of the world’s best turf horse Winx may have to face a stewards’ inquiry into the positive sample to methamphetamine from one horse if it is confirmed by a second sample.
At two subsequent starts the horse, which remains a maiden, was not tested including at Randwick on Melbourne Cup day.
It is believed at least two of Chris Waller’s staff have admitted to using the drug.
It is believed at least two of Chris Waller’s staff have admitted to using the drug. Photo: Getty Images
The champion Winx
Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel would not comment on any investigation. It is policy not to make public comment until a confirmation sample has been received. However Fairfax Media understands an investigation has been opened with stable staff from the Waller yard being drug tested.
“We are working through the possibility of a positive sample to ice from one of our horses,” Waller said. “It is an issue we want to get on the front foot with and we have tested our staff to try and find how this happened.
“We want to work out where the contamination has come from and whether it was from one of our staff or an outside influence.
“We are still waiting on a lot of information and we are helping stewards with their investigation.
“As much as I’m concerned with this issue, I’m equally concerned for any person who has an issue with this drug and would want to help them as well.”
The most recent case of an ice positive was in Victoria last year when trainer Matt Laurie avoided a penalty when it was discovered the stablehand responsible for the horse had been using the drug.
