Testator Silens loses iconic cup race due to positive swab

This year’s Birdsville Cup winner Testator Silens has been disqualified after returning a positive test to banned substances.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards have ruled against Clinton Austin-trained Testator Silens, the winner of the iconic outback cup held in September on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

A stewards’ report found a post-race blood sample contained Bupivacaine and Lignocaine, both local anaesthetic medications.

Stewards said they were “satisfied that there was no evidence of any nefarious intent on behalf of the trainer and his treatment of the horse was of the mistaken belief that he was acting within suggested time frames and in the best interest of the welfare of the horse.”

Austin pleaded guilty to the prohibited substance charge, as well as a separate breach for failing to record treatments given to his horses. He was fined $4000 on the first charge, with $2000 suspended for 24 months, and $300 on the second charge.

As a result, Testator Silens has been disqualified and second-placed horse The Driller, trained by John Manzelmann, has been promoted as the official Birdsville Cup winner.