The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms a reported Prohibited Substance finding. The presence of Methamphetamine, a potent central nervous system stimulant classified as a Class 1 Forbidden Substance, was disclosed upon analysis of a specimen taken from VITELLIUS after it had won Race 9 at Turffontein Racecourse on 27 April 2025.
Methamphetamine has no legitimate use in equine medicine and is internationally regarded as a forbidden substance because of its potential to affect behaviour, alertness, and performance. In other racing jurisdictions, methamphetamine detections have most often been linked to environmental or human-related contamination rather than deliberate administration.
The Trainer responsible, Mr W C Marwing, conducted a detailed investigation, with the support of an accredited reference laboratory, which conclusively established that the substance originated from human-related contamination by an employee. He also engaged a counsellor to provide workplace addiction support and education over a four-week period. Mr Marwing has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the NHA that he has taken all reasonable steps to prevent future cross-contamination and to ensure his staff are counselled and educated on drug use.
Mr Marwing elected to sign an Admission of Guilt for contraventions of Rules 73.2.4 and 74.1. A penalty of R150 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Rand) was imposed, wholly suspended for a period of twelve (12) months on condition that no contravention of Rules 73 or 74 occurs within this period.
In accordance with Rule 74.3, VITELLIUS has been automatically suspended from racing for 180 days, up to and including 22 November 2025.
In determining the penalty, careful consideration was given to the class of substance involved, the Trainer’s prior record, and the proactive steps he took to identify the source of the substance and address the underlying issue
Vee Moodley
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