Dr Fielding appeared before the hearing chaired by Judge John Bowman for the first time on Wednesday to face allegations he engaged in dishonest or improper action, conduct which could have led to a breach of racing rules and providing false and misleading evidence to stewards.

Racing Victoria stewards have alleged he issued an invoice to Cox Racing listing Pentosan as the product of purchase when it was Nitrotain, which has been banned since 2014.

Dr Fielding’s records were analysed by stewards after a stable inspection carried out at the Cox Racing stables in March which unearthed a container of Nitrotain.

The vet of more than 40 years experience said he was under pressure at the time and felt he had provided a suitable explanation to stewards for the mix-up earlier this year.

“I was trying to think of a reason why there would be a false invoice,” Dr Fielding said.

The hearing was told in April last year, trainer Brian Cox had lodged an order for Nitrotain on behalf of his brother Nigel for use on older horses.

“I was very firm with Brian and other trainers about the use of this product after its ban,” Dr Fielding said.

“I told (Brian) he can’t have it, but he told me ‘it was for Nigel’.”

He also disputed he delivered Nitrotain to the Cox stables in July or August last year with records produced that he was overseas holiday until August 16.

Former Racing Victoria chairman and Attorney-General Michael Duffy provided character evidence for Dr Fielding.