Trainer stood down – Cobalt irregularity

ON Thursday 15 December 2016 Harness Racing NSW suspended the licences of trainer/driver, Mr Shannon Lindsay, pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 183.

HRNSW has taken these measures after receiving a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute that Cobalt above the threshold was detected in a post-race urine sample taken from APOLLO THIRTEEN NZ following its win in race 2, the COCA-COLA AGL ENERGY TABCORP PARK MENANGLE WHERE HORSES FLY COUNTRY SERIES HEAT (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Saturday 22 October 2016.

The “B” sample and associated control sample have been sent to the ChemCentre in Western Australia for confirmatory testing.

HRNSW Stewards considered all available evidence at that time and determined that Rule 183 should be invoked based on the following factors:

1. The fact that a certificate has been issued by an approved drug testing laboratory confirming Cobalt above the threshold had been detected;

2. The level of the reading relative to the permissible threshold;

3. The nature of the substance;

4. The absolute nature of AHRR 190 offences;

5. The likely penalty of a significant period of disqualification if a prohibited substance offence is proven;

6. The high unlikelihood that AHRR 256 will have any application if a prohibited substance offence is proven;

7. The fact that HRNSW Policy in recent years has been to apply suspensions pursuant to AHRR 183 upon the receipt of one positive certificate;

8. The fact that this is not a finding of guilt and that this will militate against any perceived reputational damage as a result of a suspension;

9. The fact that an offence against AHRR 190 does not involve any aspect of intent and that this must further militate against any perceived reputational damage as a result of a suspension.

Mr Lindsay has not been charged with any breach of the Rules and has been advised of his rights of appeal against the imposition of Rule 183.

HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation into this sample result and an Inquiry will be scheduled in due course.

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 an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.