Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that 3-hydroxybupivacaine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from SLIPPIN THE LIFE following its win in Race 5, the VALE KEN PARKER (1770 metres) conducted at Albury on Tuesday 6 August 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Phillip Martin was present and provided evidence to the Inquiry via Zoom video/audio technology. In addition, the Certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were presented to the Inquiry. Raceday veterinarian Dr Rowley Bennett also provided evidence to the Inquiry by telephone.
Mr Martin was unable to provide an explanation for the detection of 3-hydroxybupivacaine in the post-race urine sample.
Mr Martin was found guilty of 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.
Mr Martin was disqualified for a period of 9 years to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- Mr Martin’s 6th presentation offence;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- Mr Martin’s personal subjectives;
- Mr Martin’s not guilty plea;
- Mr Martin’s involvement in the harness racing industry as a licensed trainer and driver;
- Mr Martin’s registered training establishment and harness racing offence record;
- HRNSW Penalty Guidelines.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, SLIPPIN THE LIFE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Martin 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
