AJC Australian Derby winner Nom Du Jeu is one of three horses from the Murray Baker stable to have tested positive to a banned substance with his trainer devastated by what he says is a mistake.

Nom Du Jeu, Fully Fledged and Mountain Road were all routinely swabbed after they won races at Te Rapa on September 5 and all tested positive to the prohibited substance Ranitidine, a drug used to treat stomach ulcers.

“We have stuffed up unfortunately, given it too close to race day and we have to wear it,” Baker told NZPA.

Baker stressed Ranitidine was not performance-enhancing and was a common treatment for horses with ulcers.

Racing’s rules dictate that horses must be drug-free on race days. Trainers are guided by withholding times for the medical drugs they administer to horses between their races.

Baker said that what had happened was a mistake over the withholding times.

“It was a staff error,” he said.

“It’s not a nice thing to have this thing hanging over your head. I have not had a positive test in 30 years training.

“I like to think I am straight up and down. I’m not a shonky guy, I don’t have to be.”

Baker said his three horses would run at Hastings on Saturday. Nom Du Jeu is second favourite for the Group One Stoney Bridge Stakes.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is inquiring into the positive tests and hasn’t yet decided whether the Baker stable will be charged.

The stable faces the prospect of the horses being disqualified from the races and a fine or disqualification if charged.

Nom Du Jeu won the AJC Australian Derby from fellow kiwi Red Ruler who is also engaged in the Stoney Bridge.
(Source: AAP)