The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) has confirmed a reported Prohibited Substance finding.
The presence of Butorphanol (Class 2) was detected upon analysis of a specimen taken from VJ’S Angel at the Vaal Racecourse on 29 April 2025.
VJ’s Angel wins the R1 million World Pool Moment Of The Day Gr1 Champion Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville last season (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
VJ’s Angel was presented on that day for the purpose of determining whether a suspension imposed on the filly in terms of Rule 93.2.4, following the TAB Gr1 Empress Club Stakes on 29 March 2025, should be lifted.
In the Empress Club Stakes, the filly reportedly refused to gallop. When questioned, Jockey Calvin Habib told the Stipes that this filly had arrived at the start in good time, well before the start and that she had appeared to be nervous and reluctant to load.
After the start, and being slow away, the filly commenced to give ground and appeared to be reluctant to participate in the race. He added that she commenced to hang outwards and gave him the impression that she wanted to turn around and gallop back in the direction of the start. He stated that he managed to keep the filly moving and in fact she had galloped freely upon straightening. His explanation was noted.
Tony Peter (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
In view of this report, VJ’S Angel was suspended in terms of Rule 93.2.4, until she proved tractable galloping from the starting stalls with a companion on Raceday.
It was when presented that a prohibited substance was detected.
Trainer Tony Peter has been advised and has not exercised his rights in terms of the Rules of the NHA, i.e. to send the reference specimen for confirmatory analysis to an approved laboratory.
An Inquiry will be held into the presence of the prohibited substance in due course.
Ed – Butorphanol tartrate is indicated for the relief of pain associated with colic in adult horses and yearlings.
