Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards advise that Show Me Heaven NZ and Act Now have been withdrawn from their respective engagements in Race 3 and Race 7 at the Maryborough race meeting to be conducted on Sunday 17 September 2023. Both horses have been withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 196B (3).

The scratchings relate to a stable inspection being conducted by HRV Investigative Stewards at the registered training establishment of Emma Stewart on Saturday 16 September 2023 and circumstances of an intravenous drip being administered or attempted to be administered to the aforementioned horses within one (1) clear day of the relevant race meeting in contravention of the provisions of AHRR 196B (1).

As an investigation remains ongoing into this matter, no further comment will be made at this time.