The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards on November 20, 2015 completed a stewards’ inquiry after HRV Stewards issued a charge under Australian Rules of Harness Racing (ARHR) 194 against licensed Vic trainer Mr Ronald ZAHRA.
ARHR 194 reads as follows:
A person who has in his possession or on his premises or under his control any substance or preparation that has not been registered, labelled, prescribed, dispensed or obtained in compliance with relevant State and Commonwealth legislation is guilty of an offence.
The charge under ARHR 194 issued by HRV Stewards against Mr ZAHRA related to a stable inspection at his registered stables in Melton on October 13, 2015 and located product Ferron 200 + B12 at the stables. At the time Ferron 200+ B12 was NOT registered for equine purposes without veterinary prescription.
Mr ZAHRA pleaded guilty to the charge and considering his good history, no prior relevant matters, his co-operation with stewards imposed a $200.00 fine.
HRV Integrity Unit issued a warning to Victorian harness racing participants on October 23 in relation to Ferron 200 + B12 which post- dated this stable inspection. There are other pending steward’s inquiries in relation to Ferron 200 + B12 which also occurred prior to the latest warning to industry.
However, anyone found in possession or using unregistered substances since that latest warning to Industry can expect to be subjected to heftier penalties for such behaviour in the future. “It is imperative that only registered horse products are to be used on horses, as it is an animal welfare issue and horses can incur severe allergic reactions or even worse with the use of various unauthorised products” said HRV Investigations and Compliance Manager Brent Fisher.
