By Patrick Bartley
Leading Mornington trainer Mark Riley could face up to three years' disqualification if a charge in relation to a pre-race blood test taken earlier this year is upheld by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.
A pre-race sample taken from Gold For Kev returned a reading that indicated a prohibitive substance had been used.
Trainer Mark Riley (right) has been handed a three-year ban.Credit: Vince Caligiuri
Riley has also been charged with two other offences, which relate to either administration of prohibited alkalising agents or presenting a horse with an elevated TC02 (bicarbonate) level.
Previously, trainers who had horses with elevated TC02 were subject to lesser penalties.
However, almost a year ago, Racing Victoria introduced a rule making it illegal to give any alkalising agents to a racehorse in the 24-hour period before race day.
Alkalising agents, including bicarbonate, are metabolised by the body and cleared in eight to 12 hours.