HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an inquiry today into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Lamotrigine had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from PRINCESS KENNY NZ following its win in race 1, the HRNSW THREE YEAR OLD TROTTERS FOUNDATION SERIES HEAT 3 (2300m) at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday 2 April 2019.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mrs Morris appeared at the inquiry and presented evidence and submissions in relation to her registered training establishment and the substance Lamotrigine.
HRNSW Stewards also presented Certificates of Analysis from ARFL confirming that grass and mud samples obtained by HRNSW Stewards from Mrs Morris’ registered training property contained the substance Lamotrigine.
Mrs Morris pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting PRINCESS KENNY NZ to race not free of a prohibited substance, being Lamotrigine.
In respect of that charge Stewards determined that a conviction would be recorded, however, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mrs Morris as they were satisfied that the detection of Lamotrigine had resulted from environmental contamination. Based on the evidence before the Stewards they were satisfied to the requisite standard that the environmental contamination emanated from a septic sewer system and the use of a prescription medication by a relative of Mrs Morris. However, Mrs Morris was cautioned that she must take all reasonable measures in future to manage her training establishment and horses to ensure that her horses are unable to access areas within her registered training establishment that may be affected by the septic sewer system.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The results reported by ARFL and RASL;
- The evidence and submissions presented by Mrs Morris;
- Environmental contamination;
- Mrs Morris’ first Prohibited Substance offence;
- Mrs Morris’ licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, PRINCESS KENNY NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mrs Morris was advised of her right to appeal this decision.
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.
HRNSW INTEGRITY CONTACTS:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gadams@hrnsw.com.au
