Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry yesterday in relation to a treatment provided on Tuesday 22 June 2021 to the registered standardbred POPS BOY, a horse trained by Mr Alistair Copps that was engaged to race at Tabcorp Park Menangle on that date. POPS BOY was subsequently withdrawn from the race by order of the Stewards.
Mr Copps attended the Inquiry and provided evidence in relation to the horse POPS BOY and his husbandry practices. Evidence including video and audio recordings were presented, together with evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott. Evidence in relation to the product 4CYTE Epitalis Forte was also presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Copps pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 193(3) as follows:
AHRR 193. (3) 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.
Mr Copps was issued with a $750 fine.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- The serious nature of this offence;
- The nature of the product;
- Mr Copp’s guilty plea;
- Mr Copp’s 1st offence under this Rule;
- Mr Copp’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Mr Copps was advised of his right to appeal this decision of the HRNSW Stewards.
