FRANCE: Barande-Barbe Denies Wrongdoing

Wednesday, 4 July 2012: Trainer Corine Barande-Barbe has vigorously denied any wrongdoing after revealing that multiple G1 winner Cirrus Des Aigles has tested positive for a "massive" dose of a banned anti-inflammatory drug.

Cirrus Des Aigles Photo by Racing and Sports

The case relates to a routine test carried out after the three-time G1 winner finished second to Golden Lilac in last month's G1 Prix d'Ispahan.

Barande-Barbe described the findings as "incredible" and says her stable star has either been the victim of foul play or else an error in the sampling procedure.

In a statement to the Racing Post she said: "We have learned from France Galop that after his second place in the Prix d'Ispahan on May 27 this year, Cirrus Des Aigles tested positive for a dose of an anti-inflammatory described as 'massive.'

"Having not administered any prohibited substance to him ourselves, we are convinced it can only be a case of malevolence or else an error was made with the sample. We have therefore filed a complaint.

"The owners and myself await the results of the inquiry led by France Galop and of a judicial inquiry."

A spokesperson for France Galop confirmed the positive test but would not discuss the specifics of the dose involved.

Cirrus Des Aigles was forced to miss last Sunday's Grand Prix de Saint-Clouf after receiving treatment for a minor skin complaint.