FINDING OF A PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE - MELOXICAM

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms a Prohibited Substance finding.


The presence of Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) classified as a Class 4 prohibited substance, was disclosed upon analysis of a specimen taken from OLYMPIAN GOLD after the running of Race 2 at Turffontein Racecourse on 4 October 2025.

Meloxicam is commonly used in equine practice to manage pain, inflammation, and fever associated with musculoskeletal injuries and other conditions. In this instance, the administration of meloxicam was accurately recorded as a treatment record in the trainer’s Veterinary Treatment Register (VTR).

Mr St John D Gray elected to sign an Admission of Guilt for a contravention of Rule 73.2.4 and the penalty of a fine of R21 000 was imposed.

When assessing the penalty, careful consideration was given to the class of substance, the Trainer’s clean penalty record of prior prohibited substance contraventions during the last five-year period, the concentration of the prohibited substance in the specimen, and the status of the race.

Furthermore, OLYMPIAN GOLD is accordingly disqualified from the race in terms of Rule 72.3.2.

A D Hyde
Racing Control Executive