Sorcerer’s swab fate
STEWARDS from Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory will meet to discuss the latest findings in the inquiry into Darwin Cup winner Saturday Sorcerer.
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STEWARDS from Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory will meet on Thursday morning to discuss the latest findings in the inquiry into Darwin Cup winner Saturday Sorcerer.
The Stuart Gower-trained galloper was first past the post in the $200,000 race on August 4 but since then things have turned sour.
A preliminary swab of the five-year-old gelding produced an irregular return and the second reserve swab is with a Melbourne laboratory.
The chairman of stewards David Hensler has revealed that the initial blood samples taken from Saturday Sorcerer following his wins in the Metric Mile and the Darwin Cup have detected Andarine S-4.
According to their website, Andarine S4 can be used for various types of medical ailments and is an oral product.
“The use of Andarine S4 can result in muscle growth that is quite similar to what a person will gain using various forms of anabolic steroids,” it says.
READ: SWAB SAGA
Meanwhile, jockey Carl Spry is back in the Top End for good.
Spry, his partner Sarah and son Zac will make Darwin their home after three years away, mainly in Canberra and Toowoomba.
“I have taken out a training licence but plan to concentrate on riding initially,” Spry said.
He has not taken long to get back in the saddle with two rides booked for tomorrow’s Fannie Bay meeting.
Spry will ride the Philip Cole-trained Listening Device in race four and Cordelia for David Jupp in the last.
Trainer Kathy Hughes admits the past 12 months have been frustrating for her back in the Top End.
Hughes has not enjoyed a winner at Fannie Bay since she returned from Malaysia but she is hoping her five-year-old mare can break that disappointing trend.
“She has been very versatile, racing over 1200m, 1300m and 1600m,” Hughes said.
“We keep knocking on the door and hopefully the win will happen on Saturday.”
Melanie Tyndall has the ride on Fishtale.
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