Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer allegedly had shockwave therapy
December 03, 2008

AN urgent probe into Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer will focus on the horse allegedly being subjected to electro shockwave therapy in the lead-up to the race.

It is understood Bauer underwent the treatment on the Thursday before the 2008 Melbourne Cup.

Under the Australian Rules of Racing it is prohibited for a horse to undergo such treatment within seven days of a race.

Following a National Chairman of Steward’s conference in 2004, Rule 64H, which deals with shock wave therapy, was adopted.

The Rule states: “A horse that has been subjected to any form of shockwave therapy shall be ineligible to race or take part in any trial in the seven days following such treatment.”

It is the first inquiry of its sort in the Melbourne Cup's 147-year history. If connections are found guilty, Bauer would be disqualified, costing the English stallion's owners, which include former Australia cricketer Simon O'Donnell, $835,000 in prizemoney.

Shockwave treatment involves electro waves going through a horse, which deadens pain in troubles areas, accelerates healing and increases blood flow.

No licensed person in Victoria or New South Wales has been charged under Rule 64H since it was introduced.

RVL stewards were on Wednesday morning unavailable for comment. Acting upon information, RVL stewards opened a probe into the treatment.

O’Donnell said that no performance enhancing drug were involved.

“The swabs are clear it’s nothing to do with an illegal drug - I assume," he said.

“He’s been treated in a manner that the RVL stewards want to investigate."

Asked if he knew the reason for the inquiry, he responded: "I think I know."

But he said he would not reveal his suspicions because, “I don’t want to prejudice any ongoing investigation by the stewards".

He said the investigation has “sullied” the success of the Melbourne Cup.

“You wake up this morning to this. For people who enjoy racing their horses, that’s been well and truly stripped today.”

RVL chairman of stewards Terry Bailey confirmed the investigation.

"We do need to clarify some issues," he said.

Bauer came to Melbourne with trainer Luca Cumani's daughter, Francesca, who supervised the horse until her father arrived 12 days before the Cup.

Bauer's managing owner, Terry Henderson, and Luca Cumani, speaking from Cumani's stables in Newmarket, England, said they were aware of the inquiry "but have also been advised there is no issue with the swabs taken from the horse".

"Any treatment given leading up to the Cup was done by vets appointed to the international horses by RVL," they said. "We are most concerned by the investigation, but feel comfortable nothing wrong has been done at our end."

The inquiry will not affect betting on the race.

Punters who backed Bauer would not have to return winnings, nor would those who backed fourth placegetter Master O'Reilly be able to claim a dividend if he is promoted to third.

Bauer, a $21 chance, stormed home from well back to be beaten by just a nose by the Bart Cummings-trained Viewed ($41) in the Cup at Flemington on November 4.

Bailey confirmed connections were aware of the inquiry. "Mr Henderson is away in the UK until December 11 and the inquiry will continue when he returns to Melbourne," he said.

"The inquiry is into whether or not any rules regarding pre-race treatment of a horse have been breached. I want to stress all swabs from the Melbourne Cup, including Bauer's, have been cleared."