G Chapple & M Chapple – Inquiries concluded

25 May 2017
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Trainer Mr Guy Chapple – Inquiry Concluded

ON Monday October 31, 2016, Harness Racing New South Wales Stewards commenced an investigation into the apparent administration of a medication to the registered standardbred A MATTER OF COURSE which was engaged to race at the Newcastle meeting that day. 

That horse was subsequently scratched from the race by order of Stewards.

On that night evidence was taken from Mr G Chapple, the licensed trainer of the horse A MATTER OF COURSE, Mr M Chapple who attended the horse, the Official Starter and the raceday Veterinary Surgeon. 

Samples were taken from A MATTER OF COURSE for analysis as well a jar of ointment that was confiscated. 

Analysis by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory confirmed the prohibited substance menthol was detected in the sample taken from A MATTER OF COURSE. 

By letter on April 18, 2017, Stewards notified Mr Chapple of charges laid against him.

By email on Friday, April 28, 2017, through his legal representative, Mr Chapple pleaded guilty to the charges and provided detailed submissions in respect to penalty.

On Monday, May 23, 2017, HRNSW Stewards convened to consider the submissions entered on the trainer’s behalf and to determine the penalties in the matters.

Charge 1 – Pursuant to HRR 192(1) and (3) which state:

(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 –

(3)  A person who fails to comply with sub rule (1) or with a term or condition imposed under sub rule (2) is guilty of an offence.

The Stewards announced a fine of $500.

Charge 2 – Pursuant to HRR 193 (3), (6) & (8) which state:

(3)  A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.

(6)  For the purposes of this Rule, medication means any treatment with drugs or other substances.

(8)  A person who fails to comply with sub-rules (1), (2), (3) or (7) is guilty of an offence.

Mr G Chapple admitted instructing his son, driver Mr M Chapple, to apply medication to the horse on race day.

The Stewards announced Mr G Chapple be disqualified for a period of six (6) months.

Charge 3 – Pursuant to Rules 190 (1), (2) & (4):

(1)  A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.

(2)  If a horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1) the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence.

(4)  An offence under sub rule (2) or sub rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.

The Stewards announced Mr G Chapple be disqualified for a period of six (6) months.

In determining these penalties the Stewards noted Mr Chapple’s pleas, his previous disciplinary record, the circumstances of the offence and the subjectives advanced on his behalf, including his cooperation with and before the Stewards.

The Stewards ordered that this penalty be served concurrently with the penalty announced in regards to Charge 2.

Stewards also ordered that the penalty take effect from midnight Tuesday, May 23, 2017. 

Mr G Chapple was advised of his right to appeal the decisions of Stewards.

 

Mr Mitch Chapple – Inquiry Concluded

FURTHER to the proceedings at Newcastle on October 31, 2017, Mr M Chapple was notified by letter details dated April 18, 2017, of a charge laid against him.

By email on Friday, April 28, 2017, through his legal representative, Mr Chapple pleaded guilty to the charges and provided detailed submissions in regards to penalty.

On Monday, May 23, 2017, HRNSW Stewards convened to consider the submission entered on Mr M Chapple’s behalf and to determine a penalty in the matter.

Charge 1 – Pursuant to HRR 193 (3), (6) & (8)

(3)  A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.

(6)  For the purposes of this Rule, medication means any treatment with drugs or other substances.

(8)  A person who fails to comply with sub-rules (1), (2), (3) or (7) is guilty of an offence.

Before Stewards Mr M Chapple had admitted applying medication, being a chest rub ointment, to the horse, A MATTER OF COURSE on the race day and prior to racing. 

The Stewards announced a penalty of a fine of $1000 of which $500 was ordered be suspended on the proviso that Mr M Chapple not be found guilty of a breach of any of the rules relating to prohibited substances within a period of 12 months from this date.

In determining this penalty the Stewards noted Mr Chapple’s plea, his previous good disciplinary record, the particular circumstances of the offence, as acting under the direction of his parent being the horse’s trainer, and the subjectives advanced on his behalf, including his (young) age and cooperation with and before the Stewards.

Mr M Chapple was advised of his right to appeal the decision of the Stewards.

 

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 STEWARDS

(02) 9722 6600 •  gloch@hrnsw.com.au

 

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