HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an inquiry today that commenced at the Bathurst harness meeting on Friday December 16, 2016, following a third party report regarding the licensed trainer, Mr Michael Leary.
Subsequently Stewards discovered two syringes in the trainer’s gear bag in the barn during the race meeting.
Evidence was taken from Mr Leary in relation to the syringes, his husbandry practices and the circumstances that resulted in the syringes being located by HRNSW Stewards as well as evidence of HRNSW Steward Mr M Jasprizza.
Mr Leary appeared at the resumption of the inquiry today. Further evidence, including the results of analytical testing conducted on the syringes and their contents, were presented and in addition evidence was heard in regards to the examination of CCTV footage from the barn at Bathurst on that evening.
After considering the evidence, Mr Leary was charged pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 192 (1)(c) which states:
192. (1) No person, unless he has first obtained the permission of the Stewards, shall have in his possession either on a racecourse or in any motor vehicle or trailer being used for the purpose of travelling to or from a racecourse any prohibited substance or a syringe, needle or other instrument which could be used -
(a) to administer a prohibited substance to a horse; or
(b) to produce a prohibited substance in a horse.
(c) to administer any medication or substance to a horse.
Mr. Leary pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of the syringes under HRR 192(1)(c) and was fined $500.
In determining penalty, Stewards gave consideration to the following matters:
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Mr Leary’s first offence for such matters;
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Mr Leary’s guilty plea;
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The fact that no prohibited substances were detected;
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Mr Leary’s overall licence history and other personal subjective facts, including personal matters.
Mr Leary was informed of his right to appeal this decision.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRAHAM LOCH | CHAIRMAN OF STEWADRS
(02) 9722 6600 • gloch@hrnsw.com.au