On Saturday 17th January 2015 HRSA stewards conducted alcohol testing of several drivers prior to their driving engagements at Globe Derby.
Driver Shane Loone recorded an alcohol concentration in excess of the applicable threshold of 0.02%.
Mr. Loone was stood down from his driving engagements and at a subsequent inquiry pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 250(1) which reads:
250. (1) A driver commits an offence if:-
(a) A sample taken from him is found upon analysis to contain a substance banned by Rule 251,
Rule 251. The following substances and/or their metabolites, artifacts, and isomers are declared as banned substances in drivers when present in a urine sample (unless otherwise stated) at a concentration above the applicable cut-off level:-
(c) All diuretics (0μg/L): Probenecid: (0μg/L): Alcohol (at a concentration in excess of 0.02% on a breath analyser):
In determining penalty stewards were mindful of the workplace health and safety issues that may arise if a licenced driver participates in a race meeting when under the influence of a alcohol, the nature of the banned substance and the level detected 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. Loone’s drivers licence was suspended for 4 weeks and he was fined the sum of $500.
Barbara Scott
Chair of Stewards
