The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard a matter in regards to a charge issued by HRV Stewards under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1) against licensed trainer Mr William Galea.
AHRR 190 (1) reads as follows:
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
The charge under AHRR 190 (1) issued by HRV Stewards against Mr Galea related to a urine sample collected from the horse ‘Rocknroll Dancer’ at the Bacchus Marsh trials on 14 November 2015. Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) reported that analysis of the urine sample revealed the sample to contain a prohibited substance, namely arsenic, in excess of the allowable threshold.
Note: Australian Harness Racing Rules definition of ‘Race’- means a race or official trial or official time trial or event in which harness horses race or participate.
Mr Galea pleaded guilty to the charge before submissions were heard from HRV stewards and Mr Galea. In deciding an appropriate penalty, the HRV RAD Board considered the general sentencing principles, the nature of the substance involved, other previous cases involving the substance throughout Australia, Mr Galea’s guilty plea and his co-operation throughout the investigation. Although noting that Mr Galea has had previous offences in relation to prohibited substances these were taken within the context of the sentencing principles outlined in the High Court decision of Veen v The Queen (No.2) [1988].
Mr Galea was subsequently fined $5000 of which $2500 was suspended for a period of 12 months. Rocknroll Dancer was also disqualified from the relevant trial under AHRR 195.
