Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have concluded an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from CHANGE OF MIND following its win in Race 6, the SKY RACING ACTIVE PACE (2125 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 5 January 2023.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
On 15 April 2024, Mr Wade pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Following an application from Mr Wade’s legal representative, the Inquiry was adjourned for written penalty submissions to be provided by 4pm on Monday 29 April 2024.
Following receipt of those penalty submissions, HRNSW Stewards gave consideration to the matter of penalty.
In relation to the charge, Mr Wade was disqualified for a period of 1 year and 10 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
• Mr Wade’s personal subjectives and submissions provided on his behalf;
• Mr Wade’s guilty plea;
• Mr Wade’s involvement as a trainer/driver in the harness racing industry;
• Mr Wade’s third prohibited substance offence;
• The impact of a disqualification upon Mr Wade from a personal and financial perspective.
Acting under the provision of AHRR 195, the horse CHANGE OF MIND was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
