Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) has concluded an inquiry into a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory that O-desmethylvenlafaxine was detected in a urine sample taken from CHLOES VENTURE following its win in race 3, the Turners Furniture One Pace (2100 metres) at Young on Saturday, 15 March 2014.
The “B” sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
Mr HEWITT had previously pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4), for presenting his horse to race not free of a prohibited substance.
Mr HEWITT was disqualified for a period of 6 months to commence from 28 May 2014, the date upon which Mr Hewitt was stood down. In considering penalty, Stewards were mindful of the nature of the substance, the guilty plea entered and personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, CHLOES VENTURE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Chris Paul
Position: Deputy Chairman of Stewards
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: cpaul@hrnsw.com.au
