An investigation has been launched by Racing NSW stewards in to the bona fides of Al Dhafra's trainer.

BRENT ZERAFA reports for TVN that following a random tip-off and subsequent surveillance, stewards are satisfied that Al Dhafra is not being trained by Wayne Hudd at Goulburn, who is noted as the registered trainer.

"We've interviewed a number of parties, Mr Mark Day, who is the managing owner, and Todd Day, who was in the float with the horse," said chief steward Ray Murrihy.

"We've interviewed by telephone the trainer in the book Mr Wayne Hudd, there may be further interviews as the day goes on, our racecourse detectives have gone to examine the float, that was left on the road near the racecourse.

"We are satisfied there is evidence that the horse isn't being trained in accordance with the rules, our evidence is to the effect that the horse is, at least for a period of the past month, has been on a trotting establishment in Goulburn and that trotting establishment is owned by Todd Day's father Dennis Day."

Murrihy said suggestions of any raceday treatment have been denied by all parties.

"We have taken samples from the horse, we will take sample at the approximate running of race eight and we will take urine samples as well," Murrihy said.

Al Dhafra was formerly trained by Guy Walter and was transferred to Wayne Hudd at the start of this preparation. He was due to have his first-up run for the new stable today.

STORY SOURCE: TVN NEWS.