HRNSW Stewards have finalised an Inquiry involving Mr Nathan Townsend that previously resulted in a charge being issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 190 (1), (3) & (4), in that he was the person in charge of the horse GOOD COP which was presented to race at Parkes on Monday 4 October 2021 with a prohibited substance in its system, namely Modafinil and/or Modafinil Acid as reported by two (2) laboratories approved by HRNSW.
Mr Townsend previously reserved his plea and sought an adjournment to obtain legal advice. Subsequently, Mr Townsend pleaded guilty and provided submissions in relation to penalty.
In relation to penalty, HRNSW Stewards imposed a 12 months disqualification period to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- The circumstances of this matter that resulted in a prohibited substance being detected;
- Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
- Mr Townsend’s licence history, offence record and involvement in the harness racing industry;
- Mr Townsend’s personal subjective facts;
- Mr Townsend’s 2nd prohibited substance offence;
- Mr Townsend’s guilty plea.
Mr Townsend was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
