5 August 2015
Panel: N. Torpey, J. Dart & M. Ross
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today inquired into the analysts’ findings in regard to the presence of Hyoscine in the samples taken from MURANO after competing in Race 6 at Albion Park on 19 May 2015 and Race 2 at Albion Park on 23rd May 2015.
Evidence was today taken from the trainer of MURANO, Ms Narissa McMullen and Dr Bruce Young, Manager Veterinary Services, Racing Science Centre (RSC).
Evidence was tendered regarding tests carried out by the RSC on a number of feed and plant products taken from Ms McMullen’s stable complex by Officers of the Integrity Regulatory Unit on 11 June 2015.
Testing of the products detected the presence of Hyoscine and Tropyl Tropate in a plant sample identified as Thorny Apple.
Subsequently, Ms McMullen pleaded guilty to two charges pursuant to HRA Rule 190(1) which reads:
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances
In determining that no penalty be imposed Stewards were mindful that the finding of Hyoscine in both samples taken from MURANO on May 19 & 23 was due to contamination from plant material growing around the stable complex of Ms McMullen.
However two convictions were recorded against Narissa McMullen and she was advised to adopt best stable management practices to ensure a repetition of this situation does not occur again.
Further acting under the provisions of HRA Rule 195 MURANO was disqualified from Race 6 at Albion Park on 19 May 2015 and the placings amend as follows:
1st - IMA MORVEN LAD
2nd - FEEL THE COURAGE
3rd - JACK STARZZZ
4th - FRANCO NEPIA NZ
MURANO was also disqualified from Race 2 on 23 May 2015 and the placings amended as follows:
1st - APPLAUSE NZ
2nd - MAX RICHTER NZ
3rd - IMA MORVEN LAD NZ
4Th - JACK STARZZZ
