Stewards’ Report - Martine Dwyer
Date – 18 October 2016
Panel – N. Torpey; L. Wilson & D. Aurisch
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the analysts finding of Heptaminol in the pre-race urine sample taken from Mishani Jewel prior to the horse competing in Race 5 at Redcliffe on 14 July 2016. Mishani Jewel was trained for this event by Ms Martine Dwyer.
Heptaminol has myocardial stimulatory and vasodilator effects with research suggesting that it may affect catecholamine release or calcium metabolism.
After taking evidence from Ms Dwyer, Dr K. Caldwell, Manager, Veterinary Services at the Racing Science Centre and Ms S. Nellis, Principal Analyst at the Racing Science Centre Stewards charged Martine Dwyer with the contravention of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190(1) which reads:
“A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.”
Ms Dwyer pleaded guilty to the charge.
In determining an appropriate penalty, amongst other things, Stewards considered the following:
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Ms Dwyer previous good record in Harness racing;
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Ms Dwyer’s personal and financial situation;
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The particular circumstances of the case;
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The guilty plea entered;
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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;
After considering penalties applied in recent comparable matters Stewards fined Martine Dwyer the sum of $3,000.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR. 195 Mishani Jewel was disqualified from Race 5 at Redcliffe on 14 July 2016 and the placings amended accordingly.
Ms Dwyer was advised of her rights of an Internal Review.
