Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole had been detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from NUI TOC TIEN NZ prior to race 8, the NATIONALTROTGUIDE.COM.AU PACE (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 15 August 2020.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Service Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
The trainer of the horse Mr Robert Xerri was present and provided evidence to the Inquiry. In addition, documents including the Certificates of Analysis were tendered. Evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott was also presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Xerri pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards 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.
Mr Xerri was disqualified for a period of 9 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Xerri’s personal subjectives;
- Serious nature of the substance;
- Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
- Mr Xerri’s guilty plea;
- Mr Xerri’s involvement as a licensed person in the harness racing industry;
- Mr Xerri’s first prohibited substance offence;
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, NUI TOC TIEN NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Xerri was advised of his right to Appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
