Henderson faces substance inquiry

Nicky Henderson is to face a British Horseracing Authority inquiry on June 23 after Heather Royal tested positive for a prohibited substance at Huntingdon in February.

The disciplinary panel will consider whether Lambourn trainer Henderson breached Rule (C)53 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the finding of dexamethasone in the urine sample taken from Heather Royal, who finished unplaced in a mares’ bumper on February 10.

They will also consider whether the mare should be disqualified and whether Henderson acted in breach of Rule C(13) which covers the keeping of medical records.

The current guideline penalty for keeping incomplete medical records is a range of £250 to £2,000.

A breach of Rule (C)53 sees a penalty range of £750 to £10,000 if the substance is administered in error or on veterinary advice.