Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry today that commenced on 12 July 2023 into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that dexamethasone was detected in the post-race urine sample taken MACHS LEGACY following its win in race 5, the MARES SLIPPER PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 10 February 2023.
On 12 July 2023, Mr Ross pleaded guilty to three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules.
Charge 1 Issued pursuant to 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 Issued pursuant to AHRR 196A (1)(ii) & (2) as follows:
AHRR 196A. (1) A person shall not administer or cause to be administered to a horse any prohibited substance
- for the purpose of affecting the performance or behaviour of a horse in a race or of preventing its starting in a race; or
- which is detected in any sample taken from such horse prior to or following the running of any race.
(2) A person who fails to comply with sub-rule (1) is guilty of an offence.
Charge 3 Issued pursuant to AHRR 190B (5) & (6) as follows:
AHRR 190B. (5) A trainer shall retain possession of a log book for a period of two years.
(6) A trainer who fails to comply with the provisions of sub-rule (1), (3), (4) or (5) is guilty of an offence.
Mr Ross’ Trainer and Driver licences were suspended on 12 July 2023, pursuant to AHRR 183, effective immediately.
In addition, acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, the horse MACHS LEGACY was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Following an adjournment to allow for penalty submissions to be provided by Mr Ross’ legal representative, HRNSW Stewards have now received those submissions and determined penalties in respect of those charges.
Charge 1- 7 months disqualification to be served concurrent to Charge 2.
Charge 2- 10 months 2 weeks disqualification to commence from 12 July 2023 the date upon which Mr Ross was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183 and to expire on 26 May 2024.
Charge 3- $500 fine.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The submissions of Mr Morris (Jnr) on behalf of Mr Ross;
- Mr Ross’ involvement as a licensed person in the harness racing industry;
- Mr Ross’ guilty pleas;
- Mr Ross’ first prohibited substance offence;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- The circumstances in this matter;
- The impact of a disqualification upon Mr Ross from a personal and financial perspective.
Mr Ross was informed of his right to appeal these decisions.
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
