McLean to face fresh charges

JARROD McLean is likely facing historical doping charges — including the suspected use of EPO — after his Supreme Court bid to stop Racing Victoria using police evidence against him failed yesterday.

News Corp understands vials containing performanceenhancing EPO were seized from McLean’s Yangery stables during a raid on January 30. RV stewards will almost certainly next week lay additional charges against the embattled trainer after Supreme Court Justice Richards dismissed McLean’s application.

News Corp understands some of the evidence gathered by police points towards suspected corruption dating back to 2012.

The suspected use of banned substances on Cats Fun, the 2008 Perth Cup winner, is believed to form part of the evidence gathered.

Cats Fun transferred to McLean in 2008 and advanced to five wins over jumps before his retirement in 2014. He was not trained by McLean at the time of his Perth Cup win.

McLean was the horse’s third and final trainer.

EPO or Erythropoietin gained infamy in cycling, where its ability to boost the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells made it the choice of substances for cheats.

McLean’s lawyers claimed Victoria Police had unlawfully relayed information to RV after the January raid.

But Justice Richards’ ruling means stewards can now consider charges relating to the alleged administration of a banned substance to a horse to affect its performance in a race.

McLean was charged in February with conduct prejudicial to racing and possessing a jigger — an electrical device capable of shocking horses.

RV has stood down McLean indefinitely, along with stablehand Tyson Kermond.