On Wednesday 1 February 2017 Harness Racing SA (HRSA) Stewards suspended the trainers licence of Mark Billinger pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 183.
HRSA has taken this measure to protect the integrity of the industry following advice from Racing Analytical Services Ltd that Cobalt above the threshold was detected in a urine sample taken from RAP ARTIST prior to its second placing in the Just Wrecking Toyotas Pace Final at Globe Derby on 7 January 2017.
The ‘B’ sample has been sent to the Racing Chemistry Laboratory in Western Australia for confirmatory testing.
In making this decision, HRSA Stewards have considered all relevant information including any submissions provided by Mr Billinger as to why Rule 183 should not be invoked.
Stewards also took into account the following factors:
- that a Certificate has been issued by an approved drug testing laboratory confirming Cobalt above the threshold had been detected
- the level of the reading relative to the threshold
- the nature of the substance
- the absolute nature of prohibited substance offences
- the obligation of HRSA to protect the integrity of the harness racing industry.
Mr Billinger has not been charged with any breach of the Rules and has been advised of his appeal rights against this stand down.
Stewards have commenced an investigation into this matter and an inquiry will be scheduled in due course.
Barbara Scott
Chair of Stewards