Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) on Friday, 12 September 2014, concluded an inquiry into results received from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute that cobalt was detected above the threshold in a sample taken from SAUCY LEGEND NZ following its win in race 10, the 2GB open Pace (1609 metres) conducted at Menangle meeting on 25 February 2014.
The “B” sample and associated control sample was confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
Mr Russo appeared at the inquiry assisted by Mr Belli. Evidence including the Reports of Analysis and expert evidence from Harness Racing NSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Wainscott were presented. Evidence was also taken from Mr Russo regarding the training of SAUCY LEGEND NZ, his husbandry practices and compliance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules.
Mr Russo pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting his horse to race not free of a prohibited substance. Mr Russo also pleaded guilty to four (4) charges under Rule 193 (3) for administering medication to his horse SAUCY LEGEND NZ on raceday prior to that horse running in a race, on four separate occasions.
Mr Russo was disqualified for a period of 3 years in respect of the charge under Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) to commence from 30 April 2014, the date upon which he was stood down. In relation to the charges under Rule 193 (3), Mr Russo was fined $1000 for each offence concurrently. In considering penalty, Stewards were mindful of the nature of the substance and the level detected, the guilty pleas entered and personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, SAUCY LEGEND NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Reid Sanders
Position: Manager - Integrity
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: rsanders@hrnsw.com.au
