Brown fined over formestane positive

Racing Victoria Stewards have concluded their inquiry into a charge issued against licensed trainer Matthew Brown, relating to the performance of Rip ‘N’ Rip at Bendigo Racecourse in July 2025.

Brown pleaded guilty to a charge under Australian Rule of Racing (AR) 240(2), which holds trainers responsible when a prohibited substance is detected in a horse brought to a race meeting.

A post-race urine sample taken from the gelding was subsequently found to contain Formestane, 4-Hydroxytestosterone and 6a-Hydroxyandrost-4-Ene 3,17-Dione. All three substances are banned under Prohibited List A of the Australian Rules of Racing.

Guided by relevant Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) precedents, stewards imposed a $6,000 fine, with $3,000 suspended for 12 months subject to no further relevant offences during that period. Acting under AR 240(1), Stewards also disqualified Rip ‘N’ Rip from the race.