2 November 2015
Panel: D Farquharson, A Reardon, P Zimmermann
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into a report from the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) that a blood sample taken from RIVERLEIGH WILLIAM at Redcliffe on 22 October 2015 prior to it competing in Race 6, returned an elevated total plasma carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration of 36.9 mmol/L.
Evidence was today taken from licensed trainer Mr Darren Hooper who explained his feeding and husbandry practices leading up to the race in question. Evidence was also provided by Dr Karen Caldwell, Acting Manager, Veterinary Services at the RSC.
After considering all the available evidence Stewards issued Mr Hooper with a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 193 (3) which reads:
“A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse
on race day prior to such horse running in a race.”
Stewards were mindful of Rule 193 (6) which states:
“For the purposes of this rule medication means any treatment with drugs or other substances.”
The particulars of the charge being that Mr Darren Hooper, as the licensed trainer of RIVERLEIGH WILLIAM when it raced at Redcliffe on 22 October 2015, did administer or allow or cause to be administered medication, namely an alkalinising agent, to that horse on race day.
Stewards placed significant weight on the expert evidence provided by Dr Caldwell whose opinion is based on peer reviewed scientific research and statistical analysis. This evidence supported the notion that the only credible explanation for the elevated level of TCO2 detected in the blood sample taken from RIVERLEIGH WILLIAM was by way of administration of an alkalinising agent on race day. Stewards also took into consideration the analysis of a resting blood sample taken from RIVERLEIGH WILLIAM, and the fact that other race day blood samples taken from RIVERLEIGH WILLIAM when in the care of Mr Hooper returned TCO2 levels within the average range.
Mr Hooper pleaded guilty to the charge as issued.
When assessing an appropriate penalty Stewards accepted that the measurement of 36.9 mmol/L did not give rise to a positive sample when taking into account the 1 mmol/L allowance for the measurement of uncertainty, however a positive result is not required when Stewards consider whether a person is in breach of AHR Rule 193 (3). Mr Hooper’s previous record under this rule, his personal circumstances and penalty precedents for a breach of this rule were also taken into account.
Stewards were of the opinion that any penalty imposed must serve as both a specific deterrent and a general deterrent to reflect the seriousness of the charge and to illustrate to the industry that a breach of this nature will not be tolerated.
Mr Hooper was fined $5000.
Acting under AHR Rule 193 (5) RIVERLEIGH WILLIAM was disqualified from its 2nd placing from Race 6 at Redcliffe on 22 October and all other placegetters were amended accordingly.
Mr Hooper was advised of his rights of appeal.
