HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an inquiry yesterday that commenced on Thursday 15 September 2016, following an investigation that commenced on Tuesday 16 August 2016.
On Wednesday 17 August 2016, HRNSW Stewards conducted a stable inspection at the registered training establishment of licensed trainer/driver, Mr Jason Proctor. During that stable inspection, HRNSW Stewards took possession of a number of products, including an unlabelled bottle of pink paste.
Evidence was initially taken from Mr Proctor at the commencement of the inquiry on 15 September 2016. Evidence of licensed thoroughbred trainer, Mr Jeremy Smith, HRNSW Stewards, HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Don Colantonio and the results of scientific analysis conducted on the products were also presented to the Inquiry.
On 15 September 2016, HRNSW Stewards issued charges against Mr Proctor in relation to the possession and supply of a Schedule 4 substance Hyaluronic Acid pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 194 and 194A which state:
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.
194A. A person who sells, supplies, distributes or attempts to sell, supply or distribute any substance or preparation that has not been registered, labelled, prescribed, or obtained in compliance with relevant State and Commonwealth Legislation is guilty of an offence.
On 15 September 2016, Mr Proctor was granted an adjournment for the purpose of obtaining legal advice prior to the resumption of the inquiry yesterday.
Upon resumption, HRNSW Stewards issued a further charge against Mr Proctor pursuant to AHRR 194 following traces of butorphanol (Schedule 4 substance) being detected in the unlabelled bottle of pink paste located on Mr Proctor’s registered training establishment.
Mr Proctor was found guilty of the subject offences and issued with the following penalties:
Charge 1 - AHRR 194 (Hyaluronic Acid)- 6 months suspension;
Charge 2 - AHRR 194A (Hyaluronic Acid)- 9 months disqualification;
Charge 3 – AHRR 194 (Butorphanol)- 4 months suspension.
HRNSW Stewards ordered that these penalties be served concurrently and take effect from midnight 21 September 2016.
In determining penalty, Stewards gave consideration to the following matters:
· The serious nature of the offences;
· Mr Proctor’s first offence for such matters having been licensed in the harness racing industry for 24 years;
· Mr Proctor’s not guilty pleas;
· Mr Proctor’s overall licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Mr Proctor was informed of his right to appeal these decisions.
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:
Reid Sanders
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
p: (02) 9722 6600
e: rsanders@hrnsw.com.au
