For immediate release
Date of issue 13 June 2019
CHASING CHEETAHS INQUIRY- 12 June 2019 - PAUL WILLIAMS
Panel - D Tyson, G Griffin, L Lord.
Office of Racing Integrity Stewards today inquired into reports from the analyst that ARSENIC in excess of the prescribed allowable threshold had been detected in a urine sample taken from Chasing Cheetahs at the Devonport Harness Racing Club on 8th March 2019.
Stewards considered evidence tendered by trainer Mr Paul Williams as to his treatment and husbandry practices and from representatives of Racing Analytical Services Limited and the Chem Centre and from consultant veterinarian Dr Adam Richardson.
Mr Williams was charged pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) for presenting Chasing Cheetahs for the subject race when not free of the prohibited substance Arsenic above the permitted threshold. Mr Williams pleaded guilty to the charge.
After taking submissions with regard to penalty, and taking into account all relevant factors, Stewards fined Mr Williams $3000 of which $1500 is to be suspended for 12 months unless he offends in a similar manner.
Mr Williams was advised of his rights of appeal.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195 Stewards ordered that Chasing Cheetahs be disqualified from the subject race and the placings to be amended accordingly.
Dominic Tyson CHAIRMAN
