26 November 2018
Panel: D Farquharson, L Wilson, N Torpey
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into a report from the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) that a blood sample taken from GOODTIME STRIDE at Albion Park on 5 October 2018 prior to it competing in race two on that day, and that a sample taken at Redcliffe on 12 October 2018 prior to it competing in the fifth race, reported an elevated total plasma carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration of 37.0 mmol/L and 36.5 mmol/L respectively.
Evidence was today taken from licensed trainer Mr Anthony Gorman. Explanations were tendered regarding feeding and husbandry practices leading up to the race in question. Evidence was also provided by Dr Bruce Young, Manager, Veterinary Services at the RSC.
Submissions tendered by Dr Young suggested that an elevated total plasma carbon dioxide concentration will equilibriate within 24 hours. Stewards placed significant weight on the expert evidence provided by Dr Young whose opinion is based on peer reviewed scientific research and statistical analysis. This evidence supported the notion that the only credible explanation for the elevated levels of TCO2 detected in the blood samples taken from GOODTIME STRIDE was by way of administration of an alkalinising agent on race day. Stewards also took into consideration the fact that all other race day blood samples taken from GOODTIME STRIDE returned TCO2 levels within the average range.
Stewards had issued Mr Gorman with two charges pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 193 (3) via correspondence on 2 November 2018, which reads:
“A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.”
Stewards were mindful of Rule 193 (6) which states:
“For the purposes of this rule medication means any treatment with drugs or other substances.”
The particulars of Charge 1 being that Mr Anthony Gorman, as the licensed trainer of GOODTIME STRIDE when it raced at Albion Park on 5 October 2018, did administer or allow or cause to be administered medication, namely an alkalinising agent, to that horse on race day.
The particulars of Charge 2 being that Mr Anthony Gorman, as the licensed trainer of GOODTIME STRIDE when it raced at Albion Park on 12 October 2018, did administer or allow or cause to be administered medication, namely an alkalinising agent, to that horse on race day.
Mr Gorman pleaded guilty to both charges as issued.
When assessing an appropriate penalty Stewards accepted that the measurement of 37.0 mmol/L and 36.5 mmol/L from both samples did not give rise to a positive sample, however a positive result is not required when Stewards consider whether a person is in breach of AHR Rule 193 (3).
Stewards also considered Mr Gorman’s limited experience in training horses, his personal circumstances and penalty precedents for a breach of this rule and his submissions regarding an appropriate penalty were also taken into account.
Stewards are also mindful that any penalty imposed must serve as both a specific deterrent and a general deterrent to reflect the seriousness of the charges issued, and to illustrate to the industry that a breach of the rules of this nature will not be tolerated.
Mr Gorman was disqualified for a period of six months for each charge effective immediately and to be served concurrently.
Acting under AHR Rule 193 (5) GOODTIME STRIDE was disqualified as the winner of race 2 at Albion Park on 5 October 2018 and further was disqualified from its fifth placing at Redcliffe on 12 October 2018 and all other placegetters were amended accordingly.
Mr Gorman was advised of his rights to an internal review.
