HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an inquiry today into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory that plasma Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) above the prescribed threshold was detected in a pre-race blood sample taken from HEEZ PERFECT prior to race 8, the PETER JACKSON BOOKMAKER MEMBERSHIP DRAW PACE (1980m) at Tamworth on Sunday 17 June 2018.
Mr Litzow appeared at the inquiry.
Evidence including the Reports of Analysis was presented to the inquiry.
Evidence was also taken from Mr Litzow regarding the training of HEEZ PERFECT, his husbandry practices and circumstances preceding the race.
Evidence was also presented to the inquiry by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory Science Manager, Dr Adam Cawley and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott.
Mr Litzow pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting HEEZ PERFECT to race not free of a prohibited substance.
In determining the charge against Mr Litzow, Stewards relied upon Australian Harness Racing Rules 191 (1) & (3) as the second certificate from the Racing Science Centre in Queensland reported a plasma Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) level of 36.9 mmol/L.
Mr Litzow was disqualified for a period of three years and six months to commence from 6 July 2018 the date upon which he was stood down.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
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This was Mr Litzow’s second Prohibited Substance offence;
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Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
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Mr Litzow’s licence history, offence record and other personal subjective facts;
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The fact that this charge was based upon prima facie evidence in relation to the first certificate issued by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, HEEZ PERFECT was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Litzow was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gadams@hrnsw.com.au