Racing’s ongoing drug saga could see respected trainer Tom Dabernig face fines nearing $10,000 if Racing Victoria has its way.
Dabernig is the latest trainer to face punishment for having Formestane in one of his runners, a substance banned under the rules of racing.
A urine sample from Dabernig’s runner Ashford Street was found to contain traces of Formestane, 4-hydroxytestosterone and testosterone.
The experienced trainer is the latest to be forced to plead guilty to having Formestane in Ashford Street, despite growing doubts that he, and other trainers, have done anything wrong.
South Australian trainer John Hickmott is considering taking his case to the High Court.
Five trainers have already pleaded guilty to presenting their horses with Formestane despite strongly rejecting they administered any drug, with Racing Victoria now accepting that is a possibility.
Racing Victoria initially alleged the trainers may have either deliberately or accidentally given their horses the substance, but now will fund international research that could show that Formestane is essentially a naturally produced hormone.
On Tuesday, lawyers for Dabernig and Racing Victoria discussed what they believed was a fair punishment for Dabernig.
Barrister Damian Sheales, acting for the trainer, told the Victorian Racing Tribunal that in his submissions he would argue for a fine no greater than $5,000, which should be partly suspended.
He said that Racing Victoria are seeking a fine of $10,000.
The case will return to the VRT in July.
