Stewards’ Report – Darrell Graham
Date – 19 October 2016
Panel – N. Torpey; L. Wilson & D. Aurisch
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the analysts finding of testosterone at a concentration in excess of the threshold for a gelding under the provisions of A.H.R.R. 188A (2)(g) in the pre-race urine sample taken from Mafuta Vautin prior to the horse competing in Race 5 at Redcliffe on 24 December 2015. Mafuta Vautin was trained for this event by Darrell Graham.
Stewards considered evidence from Mr Graham, Dr K. Caldwell, Manager, Veterinary Services at the Racing Science Centre and Ms S. Nellis, Principal Analyst at the Racing Science Centre and Dr David Lobell called on behalf of Mr Graham. Stewards also considered a written report tabled from Dr Adam Cawley, Laboratory Science Manager at the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory who was of the view that the steroid profile for the sample was consistent with an endogenous source due to unusual adrenal gland activity.
Stewards also considered the results of tests carried out on hair samples taken from Mafuta Vautin.
After carefully considering the scientific and analytical evidence available to them, Stewards were satisfied that the detected concentration of testosterone in the sample taken from Mafuta Vautin was of endogenous origin or as a result of endogenous activity.
Although it was considered an offence was proven under the provisions of AHRR 190(1) Stewards deemed that no conviction be entered or penalty imposed against Darrel Graham.
However, under the provisions of AHRR 195 which reads:
A horse which has been presented for a race shall be disqualified from it if blood, urine, saliva, or other matter or sample or specimen taken from the horse is found to contain a prohibited substance.
Stewards disqualified Mafuta Vautin from Race 5 at Redcliffe on 24 December 2015 and the placings have been amended accordingly.
Mr Graham was advised of his rights to internal review.
