HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have concluded an inquiry that commenced on Thursday February 24, 2017, into matters relating to the treatment of OUR DREAM ABOUT ME NZ and that horse being presented for an official trial at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.
Various evidence had been taken by Stewards through interviews with trainer M Purdon and foreman M Bowden as well as HRNSW Veterinarian Dr D Colantonio.
M Purdon and stable representatives have cooperated fully with the Stewards’ investigations.
Subsequently, Stewards (by letter dated March 29, 2017) charged M Purdon with offences under the Rules which included;
1 - Charge pursuant to HRR 196B (1) and 4) -
The particulars of the charge were “Mr Purdon, being a licensed trainer had on Monday, February 13, 2017, and without the permission of the Stewards, administered or caused to have administered to the registered horse OUR DREAM ABOUT ME serum, by way of an injection, being within one clear day prior to that horse contesting an official trial at Tabcorp Park Menangle, being contrary to the Rule”
2 - Charge pursuant to HRR 193.
The particulars of the charge were “Mr Purdon, being the licensed trainer of the registered horse OUR DREAM ABOUT ME, had on Monday, February 13, 2017, caused to have an atomiser used to administer a serum to the horse and within forty-eight hours of that horse contesting an official trial at Tabcorp Park Menangle the following day, being contrary to part (2) of the Rule.”
3 - Charge pursuant to HRR 194.
The particulars of the charge were “Mr Purdon, being the licensed trainer of the registered horse OUR DREAM ABOUT ME NZ and others, had prior to Monday, February 13, 2017, procured a veterinary product which was not registered in accord with legislation and at various times between Monday, February 13, 2017, and Friday, February 24, 2017, had the said product stored at premises under your control.”
By email dated May 22, 2017, Counsel for M Purdon advised the trainer pleaded guilty to all charges and made detailed written submissions in regards to penalty.
HRNSW Stewards have now convened to fully consider the submission provided on the trainer’s behalf and the options available to Stewards in regards to penalty.
Having considered the circumstances and the submission of Counsel, Stewards have determined the appropriate penalties in the circumstances as follows;
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In regards to the charge pursuant to HRR 196B(1) and 4) - to be a fine of $6000;
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In regards to the charge pursuant to HRR 193 - to be a fine of $6000;
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In regards to the charge pursuant to HRR 194 - to be a fine of $3000.
In determining these penalties Stewards have acknowledged M Purdon’s guilty pleas, his disciplinary record over a long period and the subjective facts.
Having regard to the totality principle in sentencing the Stewards having fully considered the total effect of the penalties announced are satisfied they are appropriate to that principle and the circumstances which prevailed.
Mr Purdon was advised of his right to appeal these decisions.
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
