A substantial $50,000 fine has been handed down to prominent trainer Chris Waller after his horse Asterix was scratched from the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

The stewards initiated an inquiry following a report from the Racing Victoria Compliance Assurance Team, focusing on the application of Penetrene to Asterix’s forelegs on the day of the race.

Penetrene functions as a topical liniment, providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects to help manage muscle strains, sprains, and general soreness.

Evidence was presented to RV stewards by Waller, members of his stable staff, Tim George from the RV CAT team, and Dr Edwina Wilkes, RV’s regulatory veterinarian. Subsequently, Asterix was withdrawn from the Cup at 10:33 am.

Waller entered a guilty plea in accordance with Australian Racing Rule 227 (a), leading RV stewards to impose the $50,000 penalty after hearing the submissions.

When determining the fine, stewards acknowledged that the Penetrene application by a Waller staff member was unintentional. Nevertheless, they considered the gravity of the situation, especially the withdrawal of Asterix from the Melbourne Cup.

The stewards also gave weight to Waller’s guilty plea and his commendable history concerning comparable breaches.

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