Mr Matthew Johnstone – Inquiry Conducted

On Wednesday 22 June 2016, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that synephrine had been detected in the urine sample taken from POCO ACES following its win in race 3, the MOSES & SON PACE (2000 metres) conducted at Temora on Saturday 20 February 2016.

The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.

Mr Johnstone appeared at the inquiry. Evidence including the Reports of Analysis was presented to the Inquiry. Mr Johnstone presented evidence in relation to his registered training establishment and an agronomist report that confirmed the presence of the plant species, Juncus usitatus, at his training establishment. These plants are commonly known as Common Rush, Pin Rush or Mat Rush and produce the substance synephrine. It was noted that a previous warning issued in 2012 is published on HRNSW’s website.

Mr Johnstone pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting POCO ACES to race not free of a prohibited substance, being synephrine.

In respect of that charge, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mr Johnstone as they were satisfied that the detection of synephrine had resulted from environmental contamination.  However, Mr Johnstone was cautioned that cautioned that he must take all reasonable measures in future to manage his training establishment and horses to ensure that his horses were presented in accord with the Rules.

In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;

• Agronomist report presented by Mr Johnstone;

• Environmental contamination;

• Mr Johnstone’s first Prohibited Substance offence;

• Mr Johnstone’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.

Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, POCO ACES was disqualified from the abovementioned race.

Mr Johnstone was advised of his right to appeal this decision.

Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State.  HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.