STEWARDS REPORT
DEAGON – 21 JUNE 2012
Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) stewards today inquired into a report from the Racing Science Centre that an elevated TC02 had been detected in a pre race blood sample taken from Mamanuca (NZ) prior to it competing in the Access Insulation Redcliffe Yearling Sale Series 4 Final, Race 6 at Redcliffe on Friday 8 June 2012.
Today evidence was taken from trainer Mr Grant Dixon who advised the circumstances leading up to the race, but was at a loss to explain the elevated Total Carbon Dioxide in plasma above the allowable threshold being detected in Mamanuca’s (NZ) sample.
Mr Grant Dixon pleaded not guilty to a charge under Australian Harness Racing Rule 190 (1) for presenting Mamanuca (NZ) to race at Redcliffe on Friday 8 June 2012 when a pre race blood sample was found upon analysis to contain a prohibited substance.
After deliberation Mr Dixon was found guilty of the charge.
When assessing the matter of penalty stewards took into account:
- The circumstances of this case;
- The nature of the substance concerned;
- Mr Dixon’s personal circumstances;
- Mr Dixon’s licence history;
- The need for a penalty to serve as a deterrent to illustrate that drug free racing is of paramount importance to the integrity of the industry.
After consideration Mr Grant Dixon was disqualified for a period of six months.
Acting under Rule 195 Mamanuca (NZ) was disqualified from its third placing in the Access Insulation Redcliffe Yearling Sale Series 4 Final 2012 and the placings were amended as follows:
1st Couldntresist
2nd Falcon Vista
3rd Watchinu Watchinme
4th Lightning Alley
All other placings were amended accordingly.
The embargo placed on Mamanuca (NZ) was lifted.
Mr Dixon was advised of his appeal rights.
D Farquharson
Chief Steward (Harness)
