Racing: Fly Like An Eagle returns positive to Ventipulmin

A horse from the top harness stable of Mark Purdon and Grant Payne has returned a positive swab to a prohibited medication.

Fly Like An Eagle returned the positive urine test after winning the second of his two heats in the Young Gun series at Auckland's Alexandra Park on February 18.

The new Racing Integrity Unit is investigating the matter.

Purdon said on his website yesterday that the horse had tested positive to Ventipulmin, which helps horses over potential breathing problems caused by infection.

It has a withholding time of four days, meaning it cannot be administered within four days of a horse racing.

"I can't say it was accidental," Purdon said.

Two others horses with no immediate racing engagements were being treated with the product in Purdon and Payne's North Island stable at Pukekohe. Their main base is just out of Christchurch.

"Unfortunately, a decision was made by a senior staff member to give it to Fly Like An Eagle who had had only a slight problem anyway and it went inside the time allowed for the treatment. I support my staff but in this case there was an error of judgment."

Purdon is resigned to losing the winning stake, but the horse still qualifies for the series final at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

- NZPA