Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry yesterday into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory that triamcinolone acetonide had been detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from WHOS MY MOTHER NZ prior to it running in race 3, the CORDINA FOOD CO NSW OAKS HEAT 1 (2400 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 20 February 2021.
Ms Turnbull appeared at the Inquiry represented by Mr Sheales of Counsel. Evidence including the Reports of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott and Veterinarian Dr David Searle was presented.
Evidence was also provided to the Inquiry regarding a legitimate veterinary procedure conducted upon WHOS MY MOTHER NZ on 8 February 2021.
Ms Turnbull pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting WHOS MY MOTHER NZ to race not free of a prohibited substance.
Ms Turnbull was disqualified for a period of 3 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Ms Turnbull’s second Prohibited Substance offence;
- Ms Turnbull’s guilty plea;
- Circumstances of this matter;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- Ms Turnbull’s offence record, training record and other personal subjective facts;
- The personal and financial impact of a disqualification upon Ms Turnbull.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, WHOS MY MOTHER NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Ms Turnbull has appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards.
