11 August 2014
Panel: D Farquharson, M Barbosa
Racing Queensland (RQ) stewards today inquired into the circumstances surrounding the analyst’s findings in respect to a pre race blood sample taken from MISTER MOSEBY prior to it competing in Race 4, the Lunchbox Lodge Conditioned Pace at Albion Park on 21 July 2014.
The Queensland Government Racing Science Centre reported a level of Total Carbon Dioxide in the blood sample in excess of the threshold as prescribed by the Australian Harness Rules of Racing.
Today evidence was provided by the trainer Mr. Sigi Leitenberger, who explained the circumstances and possible explanation for the elevated reading and his feeding and husbandry regime in the days prior to racing.
After consideration, Mr Sigi Leitenberger was charged pursuant to rule 190(1) which reads
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances
The specifics of the charge being Mr. Leitenberger presented MISTER MOSEBY to race at Albion Park on the 21 July 2014, when a pre-race blood sample was found upon analysis to contain a prohibited substance, that being a level of Total Carbon Dioxide in plasma above the prescribed threshold. Mr. Leitenberger pleaded not guilty to the charge, however after further consideration was found in breach of the rule.
When assessing the matter of penalty, stewards took into account,
- The nature of the substance concerned
- Previous offences under this rule
- The circumstances of the case
- 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. Sigi Leitenberger was disqualified for 2 years.
Stewards directed under Rule 195 that MISTER MOSEBY be disqualified from its recorded placing at Albion Park on the 21 July 2014. All other placegetters were amended accordingly.
