Chris Waller fined $50,000 and Asterix scratched from Melbourne Cup after race-day treatment

Trainer Chris Waller has been fined $50,000 after Asterix, one of his two Melbourne Cup runners, was withdrawn by order of stewards after race-day treatment rules were breached at his Flemington stables on Tuesday.

The eight-year-old gelding, who won the Tattersalls Cup at Eagle Farm in June over 2400m and ran third behind Cup contender Zahrann in the Naturalism in September, was scratched from the Cup at 10.33am after a report from Racing Victoria’s Compliance Assurance Team (CAT).

It was found that Asterix had been treated with Penetrene to both forelegs on race morning, prompting a hastily convened stewards inquiry.

Penetrene is a topical ointment marketed as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic liniment. A media release from RV said Penetrene is used topically on horses to relieve muscle strains, sprains, and muscle soreness.

Trainers are not allowed to treat horses on race day (and the day prior) with medication without stewards’ permission. Penetrene is considered a medication under the rules of racing.

Stewards interviewed Waller, with evidence also taken from stable staff, RV CAT member Tim George and RV regulatory veterinarian Dr Edwina Wilkes.

Waller pleaded guilty to the charge of negligently causing the medication Penetrene to be administered to Asterix’s front legs, with stewards hearing submissions on penalty.

Subsequently, stewards imposed the $50,000 fine.

‘’Unfortunately, there was a topical treatment applied to the horse this morning which is allowed during the week but not on race day,’’ RV chief steward Rob Montgomery told Channel Nine.

‘’It just is an honest mistake but unfortunately has big consequences for the connections of the horse. Some of the owners were over from New Zealand to watch their horse run in the Melbourne Cup.’’

The New Zealand-bred gelding, whose ownership group includes former Kiwi Test cricketer Mark Greatbatch, was a $51 chance in the market when he was taken out of Australia’s most-recognised horse race.

Waller remains a chance of winning the Cup for the second time, with Soul Of Spain, the Caulfield Cup runner-up, drawing barrier five with jockey Tommy Berry in the saddle.

Waller won the 2021 Melbourne Cup with Verry Elleegant.