Three riders returned a positive result to a "banned substance", while another three are awaiting further test results.

The irregular results come after the random testing of 65 riders "a few weeks ago".

It has not been declared if the "banned substances" were performance-enhancing or illicit.

There are media reports two of those stood down included well-known jockeys.

IN OTHER NEWS

Racing Victoria chief steward Robert Cram told RSN 927 that random drug test was common, but Ballarat's results were a "disappointing" spike.

"I wouldn't exactly say I'm surprised, more disappointed," he said of the failed tests.

The track riders are believed to be employees of a number of Ballarat's leading stables, who had already been struggling with staff shortages.

Ballarat Turf Club chief executive Belinda Glass believed the stand-downs would have a broad impact on Ballarat's racing community.

"It is a disappointing position to be in," she told The Courier.

"It obviously does put pressure on our stables because we had a shortage in track riders before this incident.

"It's just unfortunate the pressure that it puts on our staff. It puts a lot of pressure on the whole industry and quite a lot of our trainers, right from the small trainers to the bigger stables."

Cram did not name the track riders and the two jockeys - who are believed to be prominent in western Victoria - and said stewards would conduct further interviews.

Cram told RSN he expected the inquiry into the track riders and how they returned irregular tests would be resolved today.

Our team of local journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the Ballarat community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: