Flemington trainer Nick Ryan had two runners withdrawn from today’s meeting after Racing Victoria (RV) stewards charged him with alleged possession of a prohibited substance.
Ryan was charged after a stable inspection this morning by RV’s Compliance Assurance Team, which resulted in the forced scratchings of Anglaise (Wakeful Stakes) and Doubt Time (Coolmore Stud Stakes).
“Mr Ryan was found to have in his possession, in the glove box of his motor vehicle, two syringes of Darbepoetin Alfa which is a prohibited substance under Prohibited List A of the Australian Rules of Racing,” RV stewards reported.
Ryan, a former champion jockey, reserved his plea and the hearing was adjourned until Monday.
Zahra overcomes fall to claim first Group 1 of Melbourne Cup Carnival
Mark Zahra has bounced back from his nasty fall to pilot The Next Episode to a brilliant victory in the stallion-making Coolmore Stud Stakes (1,200m) at Flemington.
Mark Zahra riding The Next Episode wins the Coolmore Stud Stakes. (Getty Images: Vince Caligiuri)
The Ciaron Maher-trained colt stamped himself as the nation’s premier three-year-old sprinter, finishing a long neck clear of Chris Waller’s St Gotthard in the $2 million Group 1 sprint.
Mbube was third, with Under Focus fourth.
Zahra returned to action today just two weeks after a horror Caulfield Cup fall on Half Yours.
His win in the first Group 1 event of this year’s Melbourne Cup carnival comes after his dominant showing with four victories on Victoria Derby day 12 months ago.
It was Zahra’s third Coolmore Stud Stakes victory and second in as many years after his win aboard Tentyris last year.
“They’re very similar horses. He’s a real dude now, this horse,” Zahra said.
“He’s so relaxed, but when you want him he just goes ‘bang’. It’s great to be on two magnificent colts within two years.”
Zahra took a week off under doctors’ orders after his Caulfield Cup fall and missed Cox Plate day, but would not be denied another shot at Flemington glory.
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“Any other time of year I’m probably having a holiday in Byron or Ibiza, but this time of year you just can’t do it,” Zahra said.
“I just had to suck it up. It’s been a tough two weeks, but this time of year is what I live for and ride for.
“Great help by the doctors and with a few Nurofen today we’re bang on song.”
It was Maher’s first Coolmore Stud Stakes victory. The master trainer paid tribute to close friend Zahra.
“He’s a super jock, Mark,” Maher said.
“He had the fall the other day, and to get up and be riding at the top of his game, they’re marvellous, the jocks.
“Mark’s a great mate and I’m sure we’ll be popping the top off a couple of champagnes tomorrow.”
Earlier, Waller had success in the first race of the Melbourne Cup carnival, when Damian Lane steered The Roaring Sun to victory in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes.
Waller had the quinella with Unhinged, ridden by James McDonald, finishing second ahead of Conquer The World in third.
It is the sixth time Waller has won the traditional carnival opener, and third in succession after triumphs by Aeliana (2024) and Panova (2025).
Waller also claimed the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes with De Armas, ridden by Blake Shinn.
J-Mac, Waller combine for Victoria Derby win
James “J-Mac” McDonald and Waller combined for another major victory as Stormy Marco surged home to claim the $3 million Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.
The three-year-old colt charged to the lead in the straight and raced away from second-placed Cold Shower for a stunning victory under McDonald in Australia’s oldest classic.
Quick Finish was third as the first filly in the race since 1990, with Murshidi fourth.
It was a fourth Derby triumph for Waller and second for McDonald.
AAP