Racing: No dope found in Trigger

The official analysis of samples taken from the Melbourne Cup flop Double Trigger have found no prohibited substances in the favourite's system.

"They've said he is clear and I am quite happy," Mark Johnston, the four- year-old's trainer, said after arriving back in Middleham yesterday from Australia.

An irregularity had been reported in Double Trigger's pre-race blood test - which almost prevented his taking part - and it was also shown in the post-race urine sample. But it was found to be caused by a metabolite of a substance which is a naturally occurring consitituent of some feedstuffs and was subsequently found in analysis of the feed given to Double Trigger before the race.

Johnston said: "It is still a mystery why he ran like he did [17th of 20] and we will have to sit down and have a bit of a think about it."