Cambridge trainer Murray Baker said today he was devastated by the positive tests to a banned substance returned by three of his top gallopers, including AJC Derby winner Nom Du Jeu.
Fully Fledged, Mountain Road and Nom Du Jeu returned positive tests to Ranitidine, a drug used to treat stomach ulcers, after they won races at Te Rapa, Hamilton, on September 5.
Baker stressed that Ranitidine was not performance-enhancing and was a common treatment for horses with ulcers.
"We have stuffed up unfortunately, given it too close to race day and we have to wear it," he told NZPA.
Racing's rules dictate that horses must be drug-free on race days. Trainers are guided by withholding times for the medical drugs they administer to horses between their races.
Baker said that what had happened was a mistake over the withholding times.
"It was a staff error," he said.
"It's not a nice thing to have this thing hanging over your head. I have not had a positive test in 30 years training," he said.
"I like to think I am straight up and down. I'm not a shonky guy, I don't have to be." Baker said his three horses would run at Hastings tomorrow. Nom Du Jeu is second favourite for the $250,000 group one Stoney Bridge Stakes.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is inquiring into the positive tests and hasn't yet decided whether the Baker stable will be charged.
The stable faces the prospect of the horses being disqualified from the races and a fine or disqualification if charged.
