Stewards’ Report – Harness Trainer – Graeme Gavin
Date – 22 March 2017
Panel – N. Torpey, K. Wolsey & P. Zimmermann
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the total carbon dioxide concentration found in the pre-race blood sample taken from Cracka Stride (NZ) prior to the horse competing in Race 5 at Albion Park on 11 February 2017. Graeme Gavin trained Cracka Stride (NZ) for this event.
After taking evidence from Mr. Gavin and Dr K. Caldwell, A/Manager, Veterinary Services at the Racing Science Centre, Stewards charged Graeme Gavin 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.”
The specifics of the charge being that as the trainer of Cracka Stride (NZ), Graeme Gavin presented that horse to race in Race 5 at Albion Park on 11 February 2017 not free of a prohibited substance in that the total carbon dioxide concentration found in a pre-race blood sample taken from Cracka Stride (NZ) was above the permitted threshold.
Mr Gavin pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, after careful consideration of the evidence by the Stewards he was found guilty as charged.
In determining an appropriate penalty, amongst other things, Stewards considered the following:
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Mr Gavin’s personal and financial situation;
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The particular circumstances of the case;
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Mr Gavin’s previous record in regard to this rule;
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Penalty precedents regarding TCO2 matters in harness;
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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 the matter Stewards disqualified Mr Gavin for a period of six months effective immediately.
Mr Gavin was afforded a period of seven days from today to arrange for the horses currently in his care to be transferred. During this period, Mr Gavin may feed and water those horses in his care to ensure their welfare prior to making the required arrangements.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR. 195 Cracka Stride (NZ) was disqualified from Race 5 at Albion Park on 11 February 2017.
Mr Gavin was advised of his rights of an Internal Review.
