Six stood down after Gold Coast raid

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission officers have found five trackwork riders tested positive to prohibited substances during a raid at the Gold Coast.

In a media release, a QRIC spokesperson said the Monday morning operation involved the testing of 52 people including track riders and jockeys.

The raid also found four people who were unlicensed to ride.

The spokesperson said another licensed racing industry participant failed to provide a sample for testing and was stood down immediately.

“And another participant who returned a preliminary positive test for cannabis was also stood down and both will appear at soon to be scheduled steward’s inquiries,” the spokesperson said.

Two licensed riders returned preliminary positive tests for opiates and two more returned positive tests for Benzodiazepine and they were stood down.

All preliminary tests will be sent to a laboratory for confirmation.

The trainers who have employed unlicensed track riders will also be referred to stewards.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said no-notice testing could occur at any time and participants should ensure they are free of prohibited substances for the safety of animals and other participants.

It is QRIC policy not to release names until after an inquiry.