Cramp Inquiry

RACING APPEALS/INQUIRY RESULTS

  

6 July 2006             INQUIRY - GREG CRAMP (GOLD TRICKS NZ)    

Panel:            Alan Pearson, Steve Mulcay, Leigh Kirby  

Harness Racing Victoria Stewards today inquired into an elevated TCO2 reading recorded by Racing Analytical Service Ltd in the pre-race blood sample taken from Gold Tricks NZ prior to it competing in race 5 “Petstock Tontine Pacers Series” at Horsham on  8 June 2006. 

Gold Tricks NZ was officially placed eighth.   At today’s inquiry evidence was taken from the registered trainer of Gold Tricks NZ Mr Greg Cramp, Dr Richard Cust - HRV veterinary consultant, Dr John Vine - Laboratory Director RASL and Mr Dayle Brown - Manager Integrity / Administration.  

The analysis reported by RASL indicated a TCO2 level of 37.7 mmol/L which is subject to an uncertainty of + or - 1.2 mmol/L.  The reserve sample which was analysed by Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (Sydney) reported a level of 37.4 mmol/L which is also subject to an uncertainty of + or - 1.2 mmol/L.  

At the conclusion of the inquiry trainer Greg Cramp was found guilty of contravening  Rule 190(1) which states:   “A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.”   Part (2) of that rule states:   “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.”   Greg Cramp then made submissions in relation to penalty, including his 23 years as a licensed person without any previous drug conviction. 

Other relevant matters were also considered.  The Stewards fined Mr Greg Cramp the sum of $8,000.   In accordance with Rule 195(1) Gold Tricks NZ was disqualified from the race in question.       Alan Pearson Acting Chairman of Stewards