The Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board handed down its decision in relation to charges against trainer Mark Riley who was charged with a breach of AR175(h)(ii) which was heard on the 14 and 15 December.

A decision relating to a second charge for a breach of AR 178 has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Riley was charged with the following:

Charge 1 - Breach of AR 175(h)(ii): The particulars being that he administered or caused to be administered a prohibited substance, being alkalinising agents as evidenced by total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, which was detected in a blood sample taken from the horse Diablo Rosso prior to its running in Race 7 the My Jet Aviation 0-62 Handicap (2400m) at Bendigo on Thursday, 4 August 2011.

Charge 2 - Breach of AR 178 (alternative to Charge 1): The particulars being that a prohibited substance, being alkalinising agents as evidenced by total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma, was detected in a blood sample taken from the horse Diablo Rosso prior to its running in Race 7 the My Jet Aviation 0-62 Handicap (2400m) at Bendigo on Thursday, 4 August 2011.

Plea

Charge 1- Not Guilty

Decision

The decision in relation to Charge 1 is a majority decision with Mr Forrest dissenting. The majority of the Board finds the charged not proved and thus Charge 1 is dismissed.

The hearing of the plea in relation to Charge 2 is adjourned to a date to be fixed.