Sport
21 November, 2025
Birdsville Cup winner disqualified after positive swab
Testator Silens will be stripped of the trophy and prizemoney after he returned a positive sample.
In heartbreaking news for a group of Outback owners, the winner of this year's Birdsville Cup, Testator Silens, will be sensationally stripped of the title after allegedly returning a positive swab.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has yet to confirm its findings, or which substance Testator Silens tested positive to.
According to industry insiders, the "A sample" from the September 6 race returned positive several weeks ago, while the "B sample" has confirmed the presence of a banned raceday substance.
North West Weekly understands the positive came as a result of the use of an antiseptic spray.
Based on industry precedents, trainer Clinton Austin is facing a fine for the misdemeanour.
Testator Silens was the feel-good story of this year's Birdsville carnival, with a local ownership group featuring the likes of State of Origin hero Chris “Choppy” Close, long-time Central West bookmaker Gary Peoples, and a raft of other Outback characters.
The runner-up to Testator Silens in the Birdsville Cup, The Driller, then trained by John Manzelmann, will be promoted to winner of the race and will receive the $38,000 prizemoney for first place.
All other horses will be promoted in order and will get a larger slice of the purse.