The National Horseracing Authority confirms that upon analysis by its Laboratory, the presence of Methamphetamine, a FORBIDDEN SUBSTANCE (Class 1), was disclosed in a plasma specimen taken from VITELLIUS after it had won Race 9 at Turffontein Racecourse on 27 April 2025.  

Subsequently, VITELLIUS (Trained by Mr W C Marwing) has been scratched from Race 8 at the Vaal Racecourse on Thursday, 29 May 2025 in terms of the provisions of Rule 74.3, which prescribes that this gelding be banned from racing for a period of 180 days. 

74.3.   Any horse known to have been administered a FORBIDDEN SUBSTANCE, or if a specimen taken from that horse contains a FORBIDDEN SUBSTANCE or exceeds the threshold for this substance, shall be banned from racing for a period of 180 DAYS. However, in the event that the FORBIDDEN SUBSTANCE is an anabolic steroid, the period will be 365 days. 

An Inquiry will be opened into this matter. 

Enquiries:

A D Hyde

Racing Control Executive