On Thursday 14 August 2014 Harness Racing SA stewards conducted an inquiry into a report from Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) that a urine sample provided by driver Ken Rogers at Betezy Park, Globe Derby on 5 July 2014, upon analysis was found to contain d-amphetamine.
Evidence was taken from Ken Rogers, Mrs Rhonda Rogers and RASL Director David Batty. After hearing the relative evidence Mr Rogers pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 250(1)(a) which reads:
250. (1) A driver commits an offence if:-
(a) A sample taken from him is found upon analysis to contain a substance banned by Rule 251.
In determining penalty, stewards took into account:-
- This was Mr Rogers third offence under this or a similar rule in the past 8 months.
- That at Mr Rogers appeal against a similar charge in April 2014, Deputy President King placed conditions on Mr. Rogers that he undergo rehabilitation. Further, at that appeal Deputy President King suspended three months of Mr. Rogers penalty on the condition that he not re-offend against a provision of this nature for a period of 12 months. These conditions were not complied with.
- The serious health and safety issues that can result when drivers participate in races under the influence of drugs.
- The negative affect a banned substance offence has on the harness racing industry and the wider community.
In relation to penalty, stewards imposed the three month suspension that had been suspended on the condition that he not re-offend for a period of 12 months. This was backdated to the date Mr. Rogers was stood down from driving, 25 July 2014. Stewards further disqualified Mr. Rogers for a period of 12 months, to take effect following his period of suspension. Acting under Rule 15(1)(ad) stewards ordered Mr. Rogers pay to HRSA $500 for the costs incurred in analytical testing.
Barbara Scott
Chair of Stewards
15 August 2014
