On 22 December 2014 HRNSW opened inquiries into the findings that Cobalt above the threshold was detected in urine samples taken from BENZI MARSH (Neil Day) following its win in race 5, the Final Goulburn Soldiers Club Coulburn Championship (1710 metres) conducted at Goulburn on 24 February 2014 and CHEVALS CHARLIE (Dean McDowell) followings its win in race 2, the Schweppes 30th Anniversary Pace (1740 metres) and THE TWILIGHT DANCER (Dean McDowell) following its win in race 3, the Australasian Young Drivers Championship Heat Eight (2140 metres) conducted at Bankstown on 28 February 2014.
Mr Day and Mr McDowell at the commencement of the inquiry made an application that the Chairman of the inquiry, Mr Reid Sanders disqualifies himself from the hearing for the following reasons:
That Mr Sanders had previously expressed views which were relevant to the matters to be decided by the inquiryThat Mr Sanders has a personal interest in the outcome of the inquiry.
The Stewards have rejected the application after careful consideration.
The full reasons can be obtained at:
http://www.harnessmediacentre.com.au/uploads/files/integrity%20notices/14-01-2015_stewards%20decision-%20mr%20neil%20day%20&%20%20mr%20dean%20mcdowell.pdf
The inquiries have been rescheduled for Tuesday 27th January 2015.
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
