Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) today suspended the licenses of trainers Mr Dean McDowell, Mr Joshua Carroll and Mr Rodney Pike acting under the provisions of Rule 183.
HRNSW took these measures to protect the integrity of the industry following receiving analytical results from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute that cobalt was detect above the threshold in samples taken from the following horses and the respective harness meetings;
CHEVALS CHARLIE (Mr D McDowell) following its win in race 2, the Schweppes 30th Anniversary Pace (1740 metres) conducted at Bankstown on 28 February 2014.
THE TWILIGHTDANCER (Mr D McDowell) following its win in race 3, the Australasian Young Drivers Championship Heat Eight (2140 metres) conducted at Bankstown on 28 February 2014.
TINY TINKER (Mr J Carroll) following its win in race 5, the Somerset Meats Pace (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on 28 February 2014.
SNAP TO IT (Mr R Pike) following its win in race 2, the TAB.com.au Pace (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on 22 February 2014.
The “B” samples and associated control samples have been sent to another approved laboratory for confirmation.
Background:
In September 2013, HRNSW issued a notice to industry about the use of Cobalt within the industry and that the misuse of such substance was in breach of the Rules. HRNSW then commencement to engage approved laboratories to undertake the analytical anaylsis and commence research to enable a threshold to be introduce.
On 16 December 2013 HRNSW introduced a threshold for the substance Cobalt through the introduction of Local Rule 188A (2) which reads:
NSWLR 188A(2)- In addition to AHRR 188A(2) the following substance when present at or above the levels set is deemed a prohibited substance under AHRR 188A(1) (a) & or (b) & or (c):
Cobalt at a level of 200 micrograms per litre in urine.
As at the date on which NSWLR188A(2) takes effect , all urine samples taken from a horse prior to that date which have not been adjudicated upon by the Controlling Body shall be dealt with subject to this Rule.
