Harness Racing SA Stewards today conducted an inquiry into a report received from Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) that Cobalt above the threshold was detected in a pre race urine sample taken from THE OCTAGON prior to Race 1 at Globe Derby on 3 October 2015.
Trainer Pat Carbone and stablehand and owner Peter Biddell appeared at the inquiry. Evidence including the Certificates of Analysis from RASL and the Racing Science Centre were presented and Mr Carbone and Mr Biddell provided details of their feeding and husbandry practices.
Mr. Carbone pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 190(1), (2) & (4) for presenting THE OCTAGON to race not free of a prohibited substance.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of Mr Carbone’s licence history, his previous offence for a prohibited substance, the level of Cobalt (266 ug/L) and other personal subjective facts.
Mr. Carbone was disqualified for 2 years to commence on 18 November 2015 the date upon which he was stood down.
Mr. Biddell pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 190(3) as the person left in charge of the horse that was presented to race not free of a prohibited substance, he is guilty of an offence.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of Mr Biddell’s licence history and that Mr. Biddell was solely responsible for the feeding and treatment regime of THE OCTAGON.
Mr. Biddell was disqualified for 18 months effective immediately.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, THE OCTAGON was disqualified from its placing in Race 1, All Transport Industries Pace (Sky 2) at Globe Derby on 3 October 2015 and the placings amended.
Barbara Scott
CHAIR OF STEWARDS
