Tokyo Tycoon Returns a Positive Swab in G1 Sistema

Media Release - Tuesday March 28

Unbeaten Mark Walker-trained juvenile Tokyo Tycoon has returned a post-race positive result to meloxicam following his victory in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on March 11 and if he loses the race it will give young I Am Invincible stallion Santos a G1 winner with his filly Ulanova the runner-up.

The son of Satono Aladdin defeated Ulanova (Santos), Tulsi (The Autumn Sun) and To Catch A Thief to cap a perfect five from five campaign.

Tokyo Tycoon wins the G2 Sistema Stakes - Photo: Kirstin Ledington

After being notified by the Racing Integrity Board of the positive, Te Akau Racing have released the following statement:

“We are extremely disappointed to be advised by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) that Tokyo Tycoon has returned a positive post-race result for a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication following the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes.

“This news has come as an enormous shock as we have trained 155 winners this year in New Zealand alone, 30 at Group level, and every other horse has delivered a 100% clear post-race result.

“Te Akau always conducts itself with the utmost integrity and professionalism. Our whole team is deeply committed to these principles. We take pride in our robust systems, which have been noted by the RIB. Abiding by all rules of racing is non-negotiable for us.

“The post-race result indicates the presence of meloxicam which is commonly used within the industry and is administered as an anti-inflammatory medication post-gallop. This treatment was not prescribed to Tokyo Tycoon making this result a mystery.

Advertisement

“We are working very closely and co-operatively with the RIB to ascertain exactly what has happened, and to establish how this has occurred.

“There are, in our view, only two possibilities for this to have occurred: ether a human error, or deliberate administration by an unknown party.

“We have CCTV throughout our stable, and this footage is currently being analysed to identify what has occurred. We have shared this data with the RIB.

“We feel very disappointed for Tokyo Tycoon's owners who are wonderful friends and supporters of our stable - and for the horse himself as Tokyo Tycoon proved to be the stand-out 2YO throughout this season.

“As this is an on-going investigation, there will be no further comment.”

Should Tokyo Tycoon be disqualified, the Stephen Marsh-trained Ulanova would be the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) winner. - NZ RAcing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
$600,000 Ole Kirk Share Tops Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale
Shares in leading young stallions Ole Kirk and Southport Tycoon dominated bidding in today’s Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, finishing as the two highest-priced lots.
Debut Farnan Winner for Pencarrow Stud
Three-year-old filly Passiflora showed promise at the trials and transferred that potential into raceday success when scoring on debut in the NZ Horse Ambulance 970 at Cambridge on Wednesday.
Balaklava Cup Victory For Puissance de Lune’s Inform Sav On Ice
Starting well in the market off the back of his solid recent form, the Darryl Carrison trained Sav On Ice was contesting his first black type race, and took home the prize, winning the Listed SAJC Balaklava Cup (1600m) on Wednesday.
Zoustar Mare Joliestar Confirmed for Everest
Chris Waller Racing have today confirmed their slot for this year’s $20million Everest will be filled by five year-old Zoustar mare Joliestar, who is set to resume in the Group II ATC Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill this Saturday.
Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale-Topper Salutes
Bought by Yulong for $700,000 to top the Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale last year, three year-old Justify (USA) colt Officiate opened his account with a determined win in testing conditions at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 10
Here is the full list of 39 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Yulong Double With Justify and Waller
The Yulong colours were in the winner’s circle at Canterbury on Wednesday carried by a pair of promising horses by Triple Crown hero Justify (USA) with a maiden win for three year-old colt Officiate followed by a super impressive return for lightly raced four year-old mare Mergeila.
Promising Ole Kirk 3yo Regal Award Simply Too Good
Improving off a last start fifth behind Space Rider over 1200m at Moonee Valley, the Phillip Stokes trained Regal Award didn’t disappoint as the race favourite in Sportsbet BlackBook Plate (1300m) on the Sandown Hillside course on Wednesday, scoring with ease.
Break Through Win for Promising Pierro Stayer
Placed in the Group I New Zealand Derby behind Willydoit, talented young stayer Golden Century has been long overdue to break through for a maiden win and he got the job done at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Super Seth 3YO Wins $100,000 Inglis Bonus
Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou know how to place a horse to advantage and did so accordingly with talented three year-old Super Seth gelding Sanctified, who broke his maiden at Canterbury on Wednesday and picked up a $100,000 Inglis Xtra bonus for his efforts.