Nick Ryan has had his training licence suspended pending the resumption of a stewards inquiry following the discovery of two syringes containing a prohibited substance in his car on Derby Day.
Stewards alleged on Saturday that investigators found two syringes containing Darbepoetin Alfa, an EPO agent, in the Flemington trainer’s car.
Ryan’s horses were withdrawn from Derby Day races by stewards.
Stewards also stated they had spoken to veterinarian Luke Campbell regarding the Ryan investigation.
Betsy is aware of allegations surrounding the behaviour of Campbell when stewards arrived on Saturday.
Betsy is not alleging any wrongdoing by Campbell, only that he has given evidence to stewards.
In a statement released on Monday, Racing Victoria said Ryan had been suspended pending the resumption of the inquiry and stewards had withdrawn his horses due to compete on Cup and Oaks Day.
“Racing Victoria Stewards today continued their inquiry into trainer Mr Nick Ryan.
“On Saturday, 31 October, Mr Ryan was charged with a breach of AR 250 (a) following an inspection of his stables at Flemington Racecourse where a prohibited substance was found in his possession.
“Mr Ryan was found to have in his possession, in the glove box of his motor vehicle, two syringes of Darbepoetin Alfa which is a prohibited substance under Prohibited List A of the Australian Rules of Racing.
“At today’s inquiry, Stewards took evidence from Mr Ryan’s legal representative. Stewards accepted documented evidence that Mr Ryan was not able to attend today.
“Following an application by Mr Ryan’s legal representative, Stewards further adjourned the matter for 28 days.
“Mr Ryan’s license to train horses has been suspended effective immediately pending the resumption of the Stewards inquiries.
“Stewards, acting under the provisions of AR 23 (d), have ordered the withdrawal of Terrortorian (Race 2 Flemington, Tuesday, 3 November), and Haaracaine (Race 5 Flemington, Thursday, 5 November) from their respective races.
“Stewards are in the process of approving the transfer of all horses under the care of Mr Ryan to other licensed trainers.
“Separately, evidence was today taken from permitted veterinarian Dr Luke Campbell into his conduct at the time of Saturday’s stable inspection.
“Stewards will continue their inquiries with Mr Ryan and Dr Campbell at a date to be fixed.”
