Leading trainer Chris Waller has incurred a significant $50,000 penalty following the stewards’ decision to scratch Asterix from the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

Racing Victoria’s Compliance Assurance Team prompted an inquiry into the application of Penetrene to the forelegs of Asterix on the morning of the race.

Penetrene, a topical product, is recognised as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic liniment used to alleviate muscle strains, sprains, and soreness.

After gathering evidence from Waller, his stable personnel, Tim George from the RV CAT team, and Dr Edwina Wilkes, RV’s regulatory veterinarian, stewards withdrew Asterix from the Cup at 10:33 am.

Waller entered a guilty plea under Australian Racing Rule 227 (a), and following submissions, the stewards levied the $50,000 fine.

In determining the penalty, stewards acknowledged that the application of Penetrene by a Waller employee was an unintentional mistake. However, they stressed the gravity of the situation, particularly given Asterix’s subsequent withdrawal from the Melbourne Cup.

Stewards also took into account Waller’s prompt guilty plea and his otherwise unblemished disciplinary record concerning similar infractions.

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