On Wednesday 6 June 2024, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Lignocaine, 3-hydroxylignocaine, norlignocaine and morphine were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from KATASTROPHEE following its win in race 3, the HALLOWEEN @ CLUB PACEWAY OCTOBER 27 & 28 LADYSHIP PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Penrith on Monday 16 October 2023.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by RASL in Victoria.
The Inquiry was also conducted in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Lignocaine and norlignocaine were detected in the pre-race blood sample taken from KATASTROPHEE prior to the abovementioned race.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by RASL in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mrs Katie Xuereb was present with her legal representative Mr Hammond and provided evidence to the Inquiry. In addition, the Certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were presented to the Inquiry.
Mrs Xuereb pleaded guilty to a charge issued by the 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.
Mrs Xuereb was disqualified for a period of 3 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- Mrs Xuereb’s 1st prohibited substance matter;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- Mrs Xuereb’s personal subjectives;
- Mrs Xuereb’s guilty plea;
- Mrs Xuereb’s involvement in the harness racing industry as a licensed participant for 12 years and as a Trainer for 6 years;
- Mrs Xuereb’s harness racing offence record;
- HRNSW Penalty Guidelines.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, KATASTROPHEE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mrs Xuereb was advised of her right to appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
