On 19 May 2017, HRV Stewards commenced an investigation, which resulted in a stable inspection being conducted in the presence of licensed trainer Mr Andrew Jordan and owner Ms Gaita Pullicino at the relevant stable address.
During the stable inspection, despite being directed by Stewards to do so, Ms Pullicino failed to produce an item, which had been located by Stewards whilst conducting an inventory of equine medications stored in a shipping container located at the aforementioned property. Following this, Ms Pullicino then failed to comply with a clear direction provided by Stewards for her to remain on the property to enable Stewards to conduct further enquiries, rather she elected to be deliberately obstructive to the Stewards in the course of their duties, by concealing the aforementioned 'item' from Stewards and immediately vacating the property.
During the stable inspection a number of interviews were conducted with both Ms Pullicino and Mr Jordan regarding, amongst other matters, the treatment regime of horses part owned and trained by Mr Jordan and also owned by Ms Pullicino. In considering the evidence provided by Ms Pullicino and Mr Jordan during such interviews, the Stewards have serious concerns in relation to the compliance of both Ms Pullicino and Mr Jordan with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR), particularly regarding the husbandry practices currently being undertaken.
HRV Stewards have given consideration to the serious nature of the investigation and the evidence obtained during the stable inspection on 19 May 2017 and in accordance with AHRR 15(1) (aa) and (k) have determined to bar from racing, all horses owned by Mr Jordan and Ms Pullicino being trained from the relevant stable address until such time as urine and / or blood samples obtained from such horses are free of prohibited substances.
On 22 May 2017, HRV Stewards re-attended the relevant stable address where Ms Pullicino and Mr Jordan were informed of the decision of the HRV Stewards to invoke AHRR 15(1) (aa) and (k). HRV Stewards conducted further interviews with Mr Jordan and Ms Pullicino and samples from all relevant horses were obtained for further analysis.
At the completion of this process, HRV Stewards will then consider the entirety of the evidence obtained during this investigation, including the relevant conduct of both Mr Jordan and Ms Pullicino.
