Puller fined after Echo tests positive to prohibited substance
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa has confirmed a prohibited substance finding involving trainer Gavin Puller after caffeine was detected in a post-race sample from Echo at Greyville on February 6, 2026.
Caffeine, classified as a Class 3 prohibited substance, is banned on race day due to its potential to enhance alertness and reduce fatigue. The positive result constitutes a breach of Rule 73.2.4, which relates to the presence of a prohibited substance in a race-day specimen, with disqualification of the horse enforced under Rule 72.3.2.
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The NHA investigation determined the source to be an unregistered human supplement administered to the horse, later confirmed to contain significant caffeine levels.
Puller, who is a mid-sized trainer in KwaZulu-Natal, admitted guilt to the breach and was fined R35,000, with R20,000 suspended for 12 months.
In determining the penalty, consideration was given to the classification of substance, the status of the race, the trainer’s penalty record in respect of prior prohibited substance contraventions over the preceding five-year period, and the level of cooperation shown during the investigation.
ECHO has been disqualified from the race, with the trainer’s future unaffected provided no further contraventions of Rules 73 or 74 occur during the suspension period.
