Racing WA stewards yesterday conducted an inquiry into reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth and Racing Analytical Services Limited (VIC) that caffeine (and its metabolites theobromine, theophylline and paraxanthine) had been detected in the sample taken from Zackariah Beau following it racing in, and winning, Race 7 at Ascot on 15 January 2025.
At the inquiry evidence was heard from ChemCentre Analyst Dr N Beckett, Racing WA Investigator Mr A Ogg, Racing WA Head of Veterinary Services Dr J Medd and trainer Mr G Beauglehole.
The inquiry was subsequently adjourned in order for the panel to consider the evidence and submissions, which included evidence relating to the possible use of the product MetaboLize. The manufacturer of this product issued notifications in March 2025 (i.e., after the race in question) in relation to a suspected contamination from a November 2024 production run, which had identified that certain batches were found to contain levels of caffeine.
A subsequent warning notice with respect to MetaboLize contamination had been issued by Racing WA to industry participants in Western Australia, and by other Principal Racing Authorities in Australia, with previous cases in other states determining that the detection of caffeine in race day samples was linked to the contamination issue relating to MetaboLize.
A date for the resumption of the inquiry will be determined in due course following considerations by the panel.