For immediate release
Date of issue 27 July 2017
RIVERLEGIRL INQUIRY 27 JULY 2017 – RODNEY BURGESS.
Panel – D Farquharson, A Crowther, & S Quill
Office of Racing Integrity Stewards today inquired into a report from the analyst that, Arsenic in excess of the prescribed allowable threshold had been detected in a urine sample taken from RIVERLEGIRL at Carrick Park Pacing Club on 30 January 2016.
Stewards considered evidence tendered by trainer Mr Rodney Burgess, part owner Mrs M Burgess, Prof Simon Bailey (University of Melbourne), Paul Zahra (Racing Analytical Services Ltd) and Veterinarian Dr Peter Horridge.
Mr Rodney Burgess subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHHR) 190(1) which states “A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances”
The particulars of the charge were that Mr Rodney Burgess did present RIVERLEGIRL for racing at Carrick on 30 January 2016 when a post race urine sample taken from that filly was found to contain the prohibited substance Arsenic.
Evidence taken from Professor Simon Bailey included a reference to a study by Melbourne University faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences examining the ingestion of wood shavings containing Arsenic. The evidence could not exclude to the requisite standard that the level of arsenic detected was not the result of RIVERLEGIRL consuming arsenic containing wood from the paddock fencing.
Analysis of samples taken at the time a stable inspection was carried out confirmed the presence of arsenic consistent with treated timber. Photographic evidence tendered by Stewards also confirmed signs of significant and fresh damage to the wood consistent with chewing. Stewards were therefore not satisfied on the evidence before the panel that such result was not the outcome of the horse consuming the fencing over the period of time it was in that paddock.
Stewards determined to not impose a penalty against Mr Rodney Burgess for the breach of AHHR 190(1) in these circumstances.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, RIVERLEGIRL was disqualified from its winning performance at Carrick on 30 January 2016 and Stewards directed that the placing’s be amended accordingly.
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David Farquharson
SENIOR STEWARD – Harness
(03) 6777 1900
