Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) have concluded its inquiry into reports received from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute that cobalt above the threshold was detected in post race urine samples taken from the following horses trained by Mr Rodney Pike:
Mr Pike was issued with the following charges in writing pursuant to Rule 190 (1),(2) & (4);
Charge 1: That he presented SNAP TO IT in race 2, the TAB.com.au Pace (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on 22 February 2014 when a post race sample taken following its win, upon analysis has been found to contain a prohibited substance.
Charge 2: That he presented SNAP TO IT in race 4, the TAB Rewards Charlestown Bowling Club Pace (2609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on 6 March 2014 when a post race sample taken following its win, upon analysis has been found to contain a prohibited substance.
Charge 3: That he presented IM A PLAYER in race 3, the TAB APP Pace (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on 7 March 2014 when a post race sample taken following its win, upon analysis has been found to contain a prohibited substance.
Charge 4: That he presented SNAP TO IT in race 2, the Newcastle Transport Specialists Pace (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on 14 March 2014 when a post race sample taken following its win, upon analysis has been found to contain a prohibited substance.
Charge 5: That he presented MASTER FIREHAWKE in race 2, the Armed Services Personnel Get Free Entry Tonight Pace (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on 25 April 2014 when a post race sample taken following its win, upon analysis has been found to contain a prohibited substance.
The “B” samples and associated control samples were confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
Mr Pike pleaded guilty to the five charges issued and made written submissions regarding the matter of penalty via his legal representation Mr Wrench.
In respect of charges 1, 2 & 4, Mr Pike was disqualified for a period of 8 years to commence from 30 April 2014, the date upon which he was stood down. In respect of charges 3 & 5, Mr Pike was disqualified for a period of 7 years to commence from 30 April 2014. Stewards ordered that these disqualifications be served concurrently.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
Mr Pike’s previous offence for a Rule 190 breach,That Cobalt is deemed a Class 1 substance under the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines,The levels recorded being 360ug/L, 530ug/L, 1200ug/L, 1440ug/L & 2360ug/LMr Pike’s licence history and other personal subjective facts
Mr Pike also pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 259(1)(g) in that, on Wednesday 27 August 2014, he as a person recorded on the Harness Racing New South Wales Unpaid Forfeits List and subject to the same restrictions and penalties as a disqualified person, did enter harness racing stables at Cessnock Showground, premises used for the purpose of the harness racing industry.
In relation to the charge under Rule 259(1)(g), Stewards made no order with regards to penalty.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, the abovementioned horses were disqualified from their respective races.
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 & Chairman of Stewards
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: rsanders@hrnsw.com.au
