ON Friday 16 November 2018 Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards commenced an inquiry in relation to a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory that O-desmethylvenlafaxine and Tapentadol were detected in the urine sample taken from EL KAPITAN following its win in race one, the SOUTHSTATE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES PACE (2210m) at Broken Hill on Saturday 27 January 2018.
In addition, HRNSW Stewards inquired into the raceday treatment of that horse prior to the race.
Mr Jacob Kerridge, the trainer of EL KAPITAN appeared at the inquiry and provided evidence as did licensed trainer/driver Mr Matt Schembri.
Evidence including the Reports of Analysis were presented to the inquiry.
Evidence was also taken from Mr Michael Honson by telephone as well as an interview involving HRNSW Investigator Natasha Ackland and Mr Mark Johnson.
Evidence was also presented to the inquiry by HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott.
Prior to the inquiry being adjourned, Stewards invited submissions from Mr Kerridge, Mr Schembri and Mr Honson in relation to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 15(1)(d) and AHRR 183 as follows:
AHRR 15. (1) Stewards are empowered-
(d) to exclude or direct the removal of a person from a racecourse;
AHRR 183 Pending the outcome of an inquiry, investigation or objection, or where a person has been charged with an offence, the Stewards may direct one or more of the following
(a) that a horse shall not be nominated for or compete in a race;
(b) that a driver shall not drive or otherwise take part in a race;
(c) that the horses of certain connections shall not be nominated for or start in a race;
(d) that a licence or any other type of authority or permission be suspended.
Following consideration of submissions provided, HRNSW Stewards invoked AHRR 15(1)(d) and excluded Mr Kerridge, Mr Schembri and Mr Honson from all racecourses.
In addition, HRNSW Stewards suspended the trainer and driver licences of Mr Kerridge and Mr Schembri pending the outcome of the Inquiry pursuant to AHRR 183(d).
Further, Stewards invoked AHRR 183 (c) in respect of EMIIROMAR, a horse owned by Mr Honson.
The inquiry has been adjourned until a date to be fixed pending provision of telephone records.
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
