On Wednesday 1 February 2017 Harness Racing SA (HRSA) Stewards suspended the trainers licence of Francesca Carbone 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 dexamethasone was detected in a urine sample taken from PROMINENT ART following its first placing in Race 1, Jubilee Room New Menu Pace at Globe Derby on 5 December 2016.
The ‘B’ sample has been confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory in New South Wales.
In making this decision, HRSA Stewards have considered all relevant information including any submissions provided by Ms Carbone as to why Rule 183 should not be invoked.
Stewards also took into account the following factors:
- that two Certificates had been received from approved drug testing laboratories confirming the presence of dexamethasone which is conclusive evidence of the presence of a prohibited substance.
- 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.
Ms Carbone has not been charged with any breach of the Rules and has been advised of her 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
