On 13 November 2014 Harness Racing SA stewards stood down Byron Hornhardt after receiving advice from Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) that preliminary analysis of a human urine sample indicated the presence of d-methamphetamine.
This was confirmed by the analysis of the reserve sample.
HRSA stewards conducted an inquiry and evidence was taken from Mr. Hornhardt and RASL Deputy Director Stewart Willers.
Mr. Hornhardt pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Rule 250. (1) A driver commits an offence if:-
- A sample taken from him is found upon analysis to contain a substance banned by Rule 251.
Rule 252C. A licensed person, other than a driver at a meeting, when carrying on or purporting to carry on a licensed activity shall not be, in the opinion of the Stewards, under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
In determining penalty stewards were mindful of the workplace health and safety issues that may arise when a licenced trainer/driver participates in a race meeting when under the influence of a banned substance, the nature of the substance and the need for a penalty to serve as a deterrent. Stewards also considered the negative effect a banned substance offence has on the harness racing industry and the perception of the wider community. Stewards also referred to the penalty guidelines within the HRSA Drug and Alcohol policy.
Mr. Hornhardt’s trainers and drivers licence was suspended for 6 months, backdated to the date he was stood down. Stewards ordered that one month of that penalty be suspended for a period of 12 months on the condition that he not re-offend under this or a similar rule for a period of 12 months. Further, stewards ordered that Mr. Hornhardt undergo rehabilitation and provide evidence of this. Acting under Rule 15(1)(ad) Mr. Hornhardt was ordered to pay $500 to HRSA to cover the cost of analytical testing.
Barbara Scott
Chair of Stewards
