RWWA Stewards today inquired into reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth that arsenic in excess of the threshold value being 0.30 ug/ml in urine had been detected in the urine sample from SOHO LEVIATHAN after it won Race 9 at Gloucester Park on April 6, 2018.
The finding had been verified by the Racing Analytical Services Ltd Laboratory (RASL) in Victoria.
Evidence was taken from RWWA Veterinarian Dr. Judith Medd, RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle, ChemCentre Analyst Ms K. Wilson and the trainer of SOHO LEVIATHAN Mr Clinton Hall.
That evidence included analysis of wood samples taken from Mr Hall’s training premises.
Mr Hall pleaded guilty under the provisions of rule 190(1), (2) and (4) for presenting SOHO LEVIATHAN to race at Gloucester Park on April 6 with the prohibited substance arsenic being detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse.
The rule in question is one of absolute liability which, once the presence of a prohibited substance is found, matters concerning the reasons for its presence were more relevant to the penalty.
There was no evidence before the inquiry that Mr Hall had used any products containing arsenic in the lead up to the race.
The analysis of samples taken from the property confirmed the presence of arsenic at a significant level in a pine fencing post and that post showed signs of damage consistent with chewing.
The inquiry heard evidence from Dr Medd, who referenced a study by Melbourne University faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences.
The study examined the ingestion of wood shavings containing arsenic and considered the amount of arsenic required to reach the elevated levels seen in cases such as this.
Dr Medd advised that the levels were consistent with those seen in the samples taken from SOHO LEVIATHAN.
Therefore, Stewards could not conclude that the level of arsenic detected in SOHO LEVIATHAN’s urine was not the result of the horse ingesting treated fencing at the property.
Under these circumstances Stewards determined to not impose a penalty against Mr Hall for breaches under rule 190 at this time.
However, acting under the provisions of Rule 195, SOHO LEVIATHAN was disqualified from the race in question and the Stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly with commensurate implications for all stake money.
Stewards again warn all trainers to take steps to eliminate their horses’ access to CCA treated pine timber products or any other products that may present a similar risk of an elevated arsenic level in any race day sample.
Failure to take adequate steps to guard against such exposures may lead to penalties being imposed if the presentation of horses with arsenic levels in excess of the threshold arise.
Media Contact:
Russell Quinn
Manager Corporate Communications
Ph: 9445 5418
E: russell.quinn@rwwa.com.au
