Jarrod McLean might be charged with suspected use of EPO as trainer’s Supreme Court bid fails
Jarrod McLean’s hopes of a quick return to racing have been severely dented with the embattled trainer likely to face historical doping charges — including the suspected use of EPO.
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Jarrod McLean is likely face historical doping charges — including the suspected use of EPO — after his Supreme Court bid to stop Racing Victoria using police evidence against him failed.
The Herald Sun understands vials containing performance-enhancing EPO were seized from McLean’s Yangery stables during a January 30 raid.
RV stewards will almost certainly next week lay additional charges against the embattled trainer after Supreme Court Justice Richards dismissed McLean’s application.
The Herald Sun understands some of the evidence gathered by police points towards suspected corruption dating back to 2012.
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The suspected use of banned substances on Cats Fun, the 2008 Perth Cup winner, is believed to form part of the evidence gathered.
Cats Fun transferred to McLean in 2008, advancing to five wins over jumps before his retirement in 2014.
The horse later died in a paddock accident.
Cats Fun was not trained by McLean at the time of his Perth Cup win, but later transferred to Lee Freedman from Perth’s Michael Grant.
McLean was the horse’s third and final trainer.
EPO or Erythropoietin gained infamy in cycling, where its ability to boost the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells made it the choice of substances for cheats.
The drug has since been detected in thoroughbred and harness codes.
McLean’s lawyers claimed Victoria Police had unlawfully relayed information to RV after the January raid.
But Justice Richards’ ruling means stewards can now consider charges relating to the alleged administration of a banned substance to a horse to affect its performance in a race.
McLean’s lawyers have asked that confidentiality orders — restricting access to the court file — be extended for another week to give them time to consider appealing today’s decision.
The request was granted by Justice Richards.
McLean was charged in February with conduct prejudicial to racing and possessing a jigger — an electrical device capable of shocking horses.
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He was last week charged by police with alleged animal cruelty offences, corruption and possessing cocaine.
RV has stood down McLean indefinitely, along with stablehand Tyson Kermond.
The pair previously worked for disgraced trainer Darren Weir, who is serving a four-year disqualification.
Weir and ex jockey Billy Hernan were also charged by police last week.