On Wednesday 17 August 2016, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry that commenced on 28 June 2016, following an investigation that commenced on 23 June 2016 as a result of a stable inspection conducted at the registered training establishment of licensed trainer, Mr Michael Leary.
During that stable inspection, HRNSW Investigator/Steward, Mr Chris Paul, located three bottles of herbal preparations. A subsequent analysis by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) detected the presence of Bulbocapnine in one of those preparations.
Evidence was taken during the Inquiry from Mr Michael Leary and Mr Matthew Leary in relation to the herbal preparations, their husbandry practices and the circumstances that resulted in the product being obtained. Evidence of Mr Chris Paul and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Mr Don Colantonio was also presented to the Inquiry.
Mr. Matthew Leary pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 194 as follows:
194. A person who procures or attempts to procure or 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.
As a result, Mr Matthew Leary was issued with a $2000 fine.
In determining penalty, Stewards gave consideration to the following matters:
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Mr Matthew Leary’s first offence for such matters;
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Mr Matthew Leary’s guilty plea;
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Mr Matthew Leary’s overall licence history and other personal subjective facts, including personal hardship.
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.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
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Name:
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Reid Sanders
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Position:
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Chief Operations Officer
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600
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Email:
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rsanders@hrnsw.com.au
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