A massive blow: Fletcher tests positive in the Polla de Potrillos

Hipódromo Palermo confirmed the positive result of the initial sample for the colt, who was recently sold to Saudi Arabia; the substance involved is reportedly clenbuterol, with the split sample test still pending; a subsequent negative test and an incident prior to the race add further questions to the case

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The news strikes a heavy blow to Argentine racing and places one of the most critical results of the season under scrutiny. Fletcher, the runaway winner of the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1), tested positive in the initial post-race drug test following that performance, as confirmed by Hipódromo Palermo. The substance detected is clenbuterol, with the split sample test still pending—a crucial step before any definitive ruling. The story was initially reported by the website Pasión Turfística, without further details.

Turf Diario reached out to Juan Saldivia, trainer of the colt, who acknowledged the situation. The news arrives just days after confirming that the son of Gershwin had been sold to continue his career in Saudi Arabia, turning expectations surrounding his international future into uncertainty.

Furthermore, several details surrounding the case have emerged that require clarification. As learned by this publication, following the Polla and within the context of the sale transaction, Fletcher underwent another full veterinary panel test, which returned a negative result.

Off the record, Turf Diario also learned that, a few hours prior to the race, Fletcher reportedly suffered an episode of profuse sweating. That situation prompted consultations with veterinarians, and scratching him from the race was even considered. Ultimately, the colt competed, with the outcome already known. Efforts are now underway to establish whether a connection exists between that pre-race episode and the initial positive result.

On the track on September 5, Fletcher proved far superior over the 1600 meters on the Palermo dirt, crossing the wire 6 lengths clear of Linguado (Cosmic Trigger), followed by El Volka (Vekoma), Autorretrato (Angiolo), Cavaradossi (Señor Candy), Los Llanos (Le Blues), and Buin (Daddy Long Legs). It was a performance that placed him at the center of all discussions surrounding the 3-year-old division.

Now, that victory remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing administrative process. What has been confirmed corresponds solely to the initial test and does not yet constitute a final disqualification order. The split sample testing and subsequent ruling by racing authorities will determine the official athletic consequences.

Should the positive test be confirmed and Fletcher disqualified, Linguado would be elevated to winner of the Polla de Potrillos. The revised order of finish would see El Volka second, Autorretrato third, Cavaradossi fourth, Los Llanosfifth, and Buin sixth, based on the original order of finish and pending official confirmation.

The recent private purchase adds another layer to news of immense impact. The plan to send Fletcher to Saudi Arabia opened an exciting new chapter for one of the generation’s standout names. It remains to be seen what ramifications this incident might have on that deal and his future campaign.

For Argentine racing, the blow is severe—because of the prestige of the race, the hopes sparked by its winner, and the looming questions that surround the case. The Polla, which seemed to deliver a definitive verdict on the track, is once again up for debate, awaiting the split sample test and the clarifications needed to shed light on what transpired.