Begg-trained Shades of Pink returns positive to anti-inflammatory drug

Racing Victoria stewards have received confirmation from Racing Analytical Services Limited that Meloxicam was detected in a pre-race blood sample collected from Grahame Begg-trained Shades Of Pink.

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved for use in horses to prevent and treat inflammation.

The sample was taken before Shades of Pink finished sixth in the Ladbrokes Odds Surge Maiden Plate over 1100 metres at Pakenham Synthetic on June 22 this year.

RASL reported that the sample contained Meloxicam, which is prohibited on race day under the Australian Rules of Racing.

The substance is prohibited when detected in a sample taken from a horse at a race meeting or trial, including official trials and jump-outs conducted to obtain a permit to start in a race.

Stewards initially informed Begg of the irregularity on July 31.

Stewards are continuing their investigation.