Inquiries for John Sadler over scratching

Caulfield trainer John Sadler faces two adjourned inquiries stemming from the scratching of Observational at Sandown, including one of alleged threats directed at stewards.

Sadler allegedly directed his threats towards Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey and deputy Robert Cram prior to the running of race three on Saturday, the Sandown Cup.

Stewards had earlier interviewed Sadler over the out of competition testing of Observational who was withdrawn from the Group Three Eclipse Stakes at 11.50am.

A blood sample taken from Observational at 1.31pm on Friday afternoon confirmed an elevated TC02 level of 36.4 mmol/per litre of plasma with a level of plus or minus one for the measurement of uncertainty.

The TC02 threshold level is 36 mmol/per litre of plasma.

Evidence was also taken from stable vet Michael Tweedie and RV vet Grace Forbes.

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It is alleged the reported electrolyte supplementation of Observational does not provide an explanation for the raised TC02 level.

“These days we have rules where it is an offence to administer any alkalising agent to any horses within one clear day of the race,” Bailey said.

“With the level the horse was at, and the sample was confirmed at 1.31 (Friday afternoon), there was no scientific explanation to explain why it was so high.

“Under the rules these days we have had to scratch it.”

Sadler trains under the Aquanita banner at Caulfield where stewards are continuing investigations into the scratching of Lovani at Flemington last month over an alleged raceday treatment.

A date for the Sadler inquiries has yet to be set.