Echuca pair rubbed out by RV stewards

Echuca training partners Michael Cornish and Donna Gaskin have been suspended for two months by Racing Victoria stewards over an alleged race day administration at Swan Hill.

A routine stable inspection by RV’s Compliance Assurance Team on June 8 found a haematoma and associated fluid on the near side jugular vein and neck of Georgia’s Host which was scheduled to run in a maiden race on that day and was subsequently scratched.

Stewards opened an inquiry taking evidence from CAT members along with Cornish and RV vet Graeme Walker while further evidence was taken from Gaskin on June 10.

Urine and blood samples taken from Georgia’s Host and tested by Racing Analytical Services were cleared of any prohibited substances.

The inquiry was reconvened on Wednesday with further evidence taken from Cornish, Gaskin and Walker before stewards charged the pair with injecting or causing Georgia’s Host to be injected on June 8, or during the one clear day prior.

Cornish and Gaskin were subsequently suspended for two months, commencing on August 8.