Mr Cameron Davies- Inquiry Conducted

On Friday 19 August 2016, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Lamotrigine had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from HALFWAY HOLME following its win in race 1, the FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK NEWCASTLE HARNESS RACING CLUB (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 3 June 2016.

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

Mr Davies appeared at the inquiry, as did his father, and presented evidence and submissions in relation to his registered training establishment and the substance Lamotrigine. Evidence was provided of a Stewards stable inspection and the collection of soil samples.

HRNSW Stewards also presented Certificates of Analysis from ARFL and RASL, as well as a Report of Analysis from the National Measurement Institute (NMI) confirming that soil and plant samples obtained by HRNSW Stewards from Mr Davies’ property contained the substance Lamotrigine.

Mr Davies pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting HALFWAY HOLME to race not free of a prohibited substance, being Lamotrigine.

In respect of those charges, Stewards did not impose a penalty on Mr Davies as they were satisfied that the detection of Lamotrigine had resulted from environmental contamination. Based on the evidence before the Stewards on the balance it was satisfied that the environmental contamination emanated from a septic system and the use of a prescription medication by an occupant of the property. However, Mr Davies was cautioned that he must take all reasonable measures in future to manage his training establishment and horses to ensure that his horses were presented to race in accord with the Rules.

In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;

• The results reported by ARFL, RASL and NMI;

• The evidence and submissions presented by Mr Davies and his father;

• Environmental contamination;

• Mr Davies’ first Prohibited Substance offence;

• Mr Davies’ licence history and other personal subjective facts.

Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, HALFWAY HOLME was disqualified from the abovementioned race.

Mr Davies 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 33 racing clubs across the State.  HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.