POSITIVE SWAB

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 13 May 1961, Page 4

POSITIVE SWAB

V.R.C. Inquiry On Monday

(N.Z Pres, Assn.—CopurlgM) MELBOURNE. May 12. The swab taken from Exaudi. winner of the Warrnambool Cup last Thursday, has shown traces of the drug caffeine. This was announced by the V.R.C.'s chief stipendiary steward, Mr Frank Bullock, who was in charge of the Warrnambooi meeting. Caffeine is a stimulant, and would have the effect of making a horse do his best in a race.

Mr Bullock told the owners —Messrs H. A. Taylor, J. F. Corry and A. Priest—and the trainer. L. Cole, of the finding at the V.R.C. office today. The owners would not comment later oh the finding. Mr Bullock told the three owners and the trainer that he would continue the inquiries at the V.R.C. office at 1.30 p.m. next Monday. In addition to the positive swab, an inquiry is in progress into Exaudi's improved performance and different riding tactics when he won the Warrnambool Cup Hl furlongs) last Thursday, as compared with his form the previous day when he failed over 10 furlongs. When he won the Warnambool Cup he was backed from 12 to 1 to 7 to 1 and when he failed in the Slattery Handicap he was backed from 7 to 2 to 5 to 2.

Exaudi is the pre-post favourite for the Heroic Handicap at Caulfield tomorrow. When questioned whether Exaudi would be allowed to run if his connexions desired. Mr Bullock Said no decision would be made by the stewards until they reached the course tomorrow.