Stewards Inquiry - M.J. BUTTIGIEG & DEAN GIRARDI – (GO GO SHIKARI & AVEROSS MAC )
HRSA Stewards concluded an inquiry into reports from Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) that the following horses, all trained by Mr Buttigieg had upon analysis contained a prohibited substance.
Mr. Buttigieg was found guilty of four charges pursuant to Rule 190(1), (2) & (4) in that as the registered trainer of GO GO SHIKARI and AVEROSS MAC, he did present those horses to race on the dates below not free of a prohibited substance.
Charge 1:
That a urine sample taken from GO GO SHIKARI following its win in Race 3, the Max & Marj Hutchison Memorial at Port Pirie on 4 May 2014, upon analysis had revealed the prohibited substance METHAMPHETAMINE. This finding was confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory in Sydney.
Charge 2:
That a urine sample taken from AVEROSS MAC following its win in Race 1, the Major In Art Pace at Globe Derby on 24 May 2014, upon analysis had revealed the prohibited substance METHAMPHETAMINE. This finding was confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory in Sydney.
Charge 3:
That a urine sample taken from GO GO SHIKARI following its win in Race 3, the Ewen Racing Stables BOTRA 4&5YO Entires & Geldings (Final) at Globe Derby on 31 May 2014, upon analysis had revealed the prohibited substance METHAMPHETAMINE. This finding was confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory in Sydney.
Charge 4:
That a urine sample taken from GO GO SHIKARI following its win in Race 6, the Corona Beer Pace at Globe Derby on 14 June 2014, upon analysis had revealed the prohibited substance METHAMPHETAMINE and AMPHETAMINE. This finding was confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory in Sydney.
In assessing penalty, stewards were mindful of Mr. Buttigieg’s two previous offences under this rule and that METHAMPHETAMINE is an illegal drug and has no place in the equine industry. Mr. Buttigieg was disqualified for 3 years on each charge. Stewards ordered these penalties be served concurrently. Further, under Rule 15(1)ad, stewards ordered that Mr. Buttigieg pay to HRSA $2,000 for costs incurred in analytical testing.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, GO GO SHIKARI and AVEROSS MAC were disqualified from the above races and the places amended accordingly.
Mr. Buttigieg has appealed his conviction and penalty and has been granted a stay of proceedings.
Dean Girardi, who transported GO GO SHIKARI to the Port Pirie meeting on 4 May 2014 and the Globe Derby meeting on 14 June 2014, and was authorised by trainer M. Buttigieg to be in charge of the horses on those dates, pleaded guilty to two charges under Rule 190(3).
Charge 1:
That as the person left in charge of GO GO SHIKARI which was presented to race at Port Pirie on 4 May 2014 not free of a prohibited substance, the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
Charge 2:
That as the person left in charge of GO GO SHIKARI which was presented to race at Globe Derby on 14 June 2014 not free of a prohibited substance, the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
In assessing penalty, stewards took into account Mr. Girardi’s guilty plea and his clear record in regard to this rule. Mr. Girardi was disqualified for 6 months on each charge. Stewards ordered these penalties be served concurrently.
Dean Girardi has appealed the penalty and has not been given a stay of proceedings.
BARBARA SCOTT
Chair of Stewards
