HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an inquiry today into the apparent administration of a medication to the registered horse JACCKA TURK NZ which was engaged in Race 3 at Tabcorp Park Menangle on October 10, 2017, which the horse was subsequently scratched from by order of Stewards.
An investigation was commenced on October 10, 2017, after HRNSW Stewards noted a smell emanating from JACCKA TURK NZ in the raceday stalls at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
On that date evidence was taken from Mr Castles, the licensed trainer of JACCKA TURK NZ.
A urine sample was obtained from JACCKA TURK NZ for analysis and stewards took possession of a spray bottle containing a liquid for analysis as well as a jar of Vick’s VapoRub.
An analysis by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) confirmed the prohibited substance menthol was detected in the liquid contained within the spray bottle.
Mr Castles attended the inquiry today and provided further evidence.
Evidence including the ARFL sample analysis report and a report from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, were also presented.
HRNSW Stewards issued two (2) charges against Mr Castles pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 192 (1)(b) & (3) as follows:
AHRR 192 (1) No person, unless he has first obtained the permission of the Stewards, shall have in his possession either on a racecourse or in any motor vehicle or trailer being used for the purpose of travelling to or from a racecourse any prohibited substance or a syringe, needle or other instrument which could be used –
(b) to produce a prohibited substance in a horse.
(3) A person who fails to comply with sub rule (1) or with a term or condition imposed under sub rule (2) is guilty of an offence.
Mr Castles was found guilty of those offences and fined $500 for each offence.
In addition, HRNSW Stewards issued a charge against Mr Castles pursuant to AHRR 193(3), (6) & (8) as follows:
AHRR 193 (3) A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.
(6) For the purposes of this Rule, medication means any treatment with drugs or other substances.
(8) A person who fails to comply with sub-rules (1), (2), (3) or (7) is guilty of an offence.
Mr Castles pleaded guilty to this offence and was fined $750.
Mr Castles was advised of his right to appeal these decisions.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
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The nature of the substances involved;
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Pleas entered by Mr Castles;
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Mr Castles’ 1st offence of this nature during a 60-year involvement in the Harness Racing industry;
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Mr Castles’ licence history and other personal subjective facts.
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 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gadams@hrnsw.com.au
