Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry yesterday in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Total Carbon Dioxide above the prescribed threshold had been detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from KAMWOOD CAESAR prior to race 3, the SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Monday 3 August 2020.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by the Racing Science Centre in Queensland.
Licensed Trainer Mr Lindsay and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were present and provided evidence to the Inquiry.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis.
Mr Lindsay pleaded guilty to two (2) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards as follows:
Charge 1
Pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) as follows:
AHRR 190. (1) A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
(2) 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.
(3) If a person is left in charge of a horse and the horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1), the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
(4) An offence under sub rule (2) or sub rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.
Charge 2
Pursuant to AHRR 196C (1)(b) & (2)(a) as follows:
196C. (1) A person must not administer an alkalinising agent in any manner to a horse which is engaged to run in a race:
(a) at any time on the day of the scheduled race and prior to the start of the race;
(b) at any time within one (1) clear day of the commencement of the race.
(2) Any person who:-
(a) administers an alkalinising agent;
(b) attempts to administer an alkalinising agent;
(c) causes an alkalinising agent to be administered; and/or
(d) is a party to the administration of, or an attempt to administer, an alkalinising agent
contrary to sub-rule (1) is guilty of an offence.
In relation to Charge 1, Mr Lindsay was disqualified for period of 3 years and 9 months to commence from 13 August 2020, the date upon which he was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183.
In relation to Charge 2, Mr Lindsay was disqualified for a period of 6 months to be served concurrently with the disqualification imposed for Charge 1.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Lindsay’s involvement as a trainer in the harness racing industry since 1999/2000 season;
- Mr Lindsay’s second prohibited substance related offence;
- Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
- The levels recorded;
- The impact of a disqualification upon Mr Lindsay from a personal and financial perspective.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, KAMWOOD CAESAR was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Lindsay was advised of his appeal rights.
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655