STEWARDS REPORT
5 July 2016
Stewards: D Farquharson, K Wolsey, N Torpey
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today resumed their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the analysts’ findings in respect to a urine sample taken from SHARDONS REACTOR (NZ) following its winning performance in Race 1 at Deagon on Sunday, 13 September 2015.
The Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) reported and confirmed a level of COBALT in the sample in excess of the threshold as prescribed by the Australian Harness Racing Rules.
Today evidence was taken from trainer Neale Scott, who also explained his feeding and husbandry regime prior to racing.
Submissions were also provided by Dr Karen Caldwell, Senior Veterinary Officer (RSC), Mark Jarrett, Manager Analytical Services (RSC) and Samantha Nelis, Analyst (RSC).
After consideration, Mr Scott was charged pursuant to Rule 190(1) which reads:
“A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances”
The particulars of the charge being that Mr Scott presented SHARDONS REACTOR (NZ) to race in Race 1 at Deagon on Sunday, 13 September 2015, when a post race urine sample taken from that gelding was found upon analysis to contain the prohibited substance COBALT above the prescribed threshold.
Mr Scott pleaded not guilty to the charge as issued however after further consideration, Stewards determined the evidence was sufficient to sustain the charge and found Mr Scott guilty.
When assessing the matter of penalty, Stewards gave consideration to the following:
- The serious nature of the substance concerned and the level of Cobalt recorded (356 Ug/L);
- No previous offences under this rule in a licence history of 45 years;
- The particular circumstances of the case;
- The need for a penalty to serve as a deterrent to illustrate that drug free racing is of paramount importance to the integrity of harness racing;
- Penalty precedents;
- The manner in which he conducted himself throughout the inquiry.
Mr Scott was disqualified for a period of 18 months effective immediately.
Stewards further directed that under Rule 195 SHARDONS REACTOR (NZ) be disqualified from its win in Race 1 at Deagon on 13 September 2015 and all other placegetters be amended accordingly.
Mr Scott was advised of his rights of review.
