15 July 2014
Panel: D. Farquharson, K. Wolsey, P. Zimmermann
Racing Queensland stewards today inquired into the circumstances surrounding the analysts’ findings in respect to a pre-race blood sample taken from MACS CHOICE (NZ) prior to it competing in race 4 at Albion Park on 23 June 2014.
The Queensland Government Racing Science Centre reported a level of Total Carbon Dioxide (TC02) in the blood sample in excess of the threshold as prescribed by the Australian Harness Rules of Racing.
Evidence was provided by the trainer Mr Doug Manger, who explained the circumstances and possible explanation for the elevated reading.
After consideration, Mr. Manger was charged pursuant to Rule 190 (1) which reads:
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances
The particulars of the charge being that trainer Mr Doug Manger did present MACS CHOICE (NZ) for racing at Albion Park on 23 June 2014, when a pre-race blood sample taken from this horse was found, upon analysis, to contain a prohibited substance namely, Alkalinising Agents, as evidenced by total carbon dioxide (TC02) present at a concentration in excess of the threshold as prescribed by the Australian Harness Rules of Racing.
Mr Manger pleaded guilty to the charge.
When assessing the matter of penalty, stewards took into account:
- The nature of the substance concerned
- The circumstances of the case
- Mr. Manger’s unblemished record under this rule over a 20 year period
- The need for a penalty to serve as a deterrent to illustrate that drug free racing is of paramount importance to the integrity of Harness Racing.
Mr Manger was disqualified for 6 months.
Stewards directed under Rule 195 that MACS CHOICE NZ be disqualified from its 5th placing at Albion Park on 23 June 2014 and that all other placings should be amended accordingly.
Mr Manger was advised of his rights of appeal.
