Panel: D Farquharson, W Birch, P Zimmerman
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards have concluded their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the analysts’ findings in respect to a pre-race blood sample taken from IM MISS SOPHIE (NZ) prior to it competing in Race 7, the Sure Duz Mosquito Candle Pace at Albion Park 29 September 2014.
The Queensland Government Racing Science Centre reported a level of Total Carbon Dioxide (TC02) in plasma of IM MISS SOPHIE (NZ) in excess of the threshold as prescribed by the Australian Harness Rules of Racing and referee analysis conducted by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory confirmed the RSC findings.
Evidence was provided by the trainer of IM MISS SOPHIE (NZ) Mr Brian Manzelmann on 9 October 2014.
He explained the circumstances and possible explanation for the elevated reading and his feeding and husbandry regime in the days prior to racing. Evidence was also tendered by Dr Bruce Young on behalf of the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre.
The inquiry was adjourned to allow Mr Manzelmann to present further evidence, however Stewards directed under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 183(d), that the licence of Mr Manzelmann be suspended until such time that the inquiry was concluded.
On 21 October 2014 Mr Manzelmann pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 190(1) which states:
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
A further adjournment was granted to allow Mr Manzelmann to prepare submissions in regard to penalty.
On 23 October 2014 after taking into account further evidence taken, Stewards disqualified Mr Manzelmann for a period of 12 months. Stewards directed that this term of disqualification be backdated to 9 October 2014, the date on which Mr. Manzelmann was suspended.
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.
Acting under AHR Rule 195, IM MISS SOPHIE (NZ) was disqualified from its placing in Race 7, the Sure Duz Mosquito Candle Pace at Albion Park on 29 September 2014 and all other placegetters were amended accordingly.
Stewards further directed that the approval for all horses previously trained by Mr Manzelmann that had been transferred to trainer Hayden Green be revoked.
Mr Manzelmann was advised of his rights of appeal.
