Stewards’ Report – Harness Trainer – Ashlee Neilson
Date – 15 February 2017
Panel – N. Torpey; P. Zimmermann & J. Hackett
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the analysts finding regarding the Total Carbon Dioxide concentration found in the pre-race blood sample taken from Mach Cullen (NZ) prior to the horse competing in Race 5 at Albion Park on 18 October 2016. Mach Cullen (NZ) was trained for this event by Ms Ashlee Neilson.
After taking evidence from Ms Neilson and Dr K. Caldwell as the Manager, Veterinary Services at the Racing Science Centre, Stewards charged Ashlee Neilson with the contravention of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 196A which reads:
“A person shall not administer or cause to be administered to a horse any prohibited substance
-
For the purpose of affecting the performance or behaviour of a horse in a race or of preventing its starting in a race or
-
Which is detected in any sample taken from such horse prior to or following the running of a race.”
Ms Neilson pleaded guilty to the charge.
In determining an appropriate penalty, amongst other things, Stewards considered the following:
-
Ms Neilson’s personal and financial situation;
-
The particular circumstances of the case;
-
The guilty plea entered;
-
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 disqualified Ashlee Neilson for a period of 6 months effective immediately.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR. 195 Mach Cullen NZ was disqualified from Race 5 at Albion Park on 18 October 2016 and the placings amended accordingly.
Ms Neilson was advised of her rights of an Internal Review
