Trainer John Moore has been fined HK$65,000 and Harbour Master disqualified as the winner of a race at Happy Valley in late January after a positive test to indometacin.
Pre-race samples had been clear but routine post-race blood and urine samples from Harbour Master tested positive to the prohibited substance last month and stewards yesterday concluded the inquiry which had been adjourned pending the "B sample" confirmation tests.
Yesterday's inquiry heard more evidence from chief analyst Dr Terence Wan See-ming, Moore and his staff and Dr Peter Curl, executive manager of veterinary regulation.
Moore was found guilty under rule 140 (1), dealing with the responsibility of a trainer to ensure that horses in their care are presented to race free of prohibited substances.
Harbour Master was disqualified, Tony Cruz-trained Helene Super Star declared the winner of the Crooked Island Handicap and stewards issued a fine of HK$65,000 against Moore, taking into account his lengthy record as a licensed trainer.
The fine was considerably more than for the most recent phenylbutazone positive for Andreas Schutz last year but in line with previous fines of between HK$50,000 and HK$75,000 for similar offences.
