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Racing NSW Stewards on Monday (25th March 2025) conducted an inquiry into the analyst's finding of metformin in a post-race urine sample taken from Brutal Love after the gelding ran in Race 1 (Country Boosted Maiden Plate, 1100m) conducted at the Gundagai race meeting on Friday, 15 November 2024.

Evidence was taken from the trainer of Brutal Love, Mr Clint Lundholm, stable foreperson Mr Todd Smith, Racing NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Carly Garling and Geneal Manager of the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL), Mr John Keledjian.

Charge

Mr Lundholm pleaded guilty to a charge under AR240(2) in that, as the trainer of Brutal Love he did bring that gelding to Gundagai Racecourse on 15 November 2024 for the purpose of participating in Race 1 (Country Boosted Maiden Plate, 1100m) when a prohibited substance on Prohibited List B, namely metformin, was detected in the urine sample taken from Brutal Love following the race.

Penalty

The following matters were considered in respect to penalty:

1. Guilty plea & co-operation during the investigation and inquiry
2. Stewards were satisfied that the finding of Metformin in the sample was as a consequence of inadvertent contamination involving the use of a properly prescribed human medication
3. Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct
4. Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry

Stewards determined the starting point for this offence was a fine of $6,000. Having regard to the circumstances of this case as well as the mitigating factors detailed above, including a guilty plea, Stewards determined the appropriate penalty was a $4,000 fine.

Brutal Love

In accordance with the provisions of AR240(1) Brutal Love was disqualified from its first placing in Race 1 (Country Boosted Maiden Plate, 1100m) and amended the placings as follows:

1st – Ischyros
2nd – Santolini
3rd – She’s High Society
4th – Sunroe
5th – Extremely Exciting

Relevant Rules

AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting.

(2) Subject to subrule (3), if a horse is brought to a racecourse for the purpose of participating in a race and a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A and/or Prohibited List B is detected in a sample taken from the horse prior to or following its running in any race, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of the horse at any relevant time breaches these Australian Rules.

- Mr Liam Martin (Chief Steward, Southern Districts Racing Association-Racing NSW)