Peter Gelagotis runner returns positive test to banned substance

Trainer Peter Gelagotis is under investigation by Racing Victoria stewards after one of his horses tested positive to a prohibited substance on race day.

• Weld young gun on Cup wishlist
• Old Bart sacks farm life for racing return

Moe trainer Peter Gelagotis is under investigation by Racing Victoria stewards after one of his horses tested positive to a prohibited substance on race day.

Stewards advised Gelagotis on Tuesday of the result of a second test of the blood sample taken of four-year gelding Strong Influence before he finished third in a race at Sandown on June 26.

Trainer Peter Gelagotis was informed of the finding by stewards. Picture: Getty Images

An initial report from Racing Analytical Services Limited initially detected an elevated bicarb (TCO2) level, which indicates the presence of a prohibited substance in accordance with the Australian rules of racing.

That finding was confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory and Gelagotis was informed the stewards would be continuing their investigation.

Gelagotis was last sanctioned by stewards in June 2015 when he was suspended for three months after pleading guilty to the race-day treatment of Axis Point during Warrnambool’s May Carnival.