HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an inquiry yesterday in relation to a banned substance being detected in a urine sample taken from licensed driver, Mr Jack Trainor, at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday 3 July 2018.
An analysis of the urine sample by Racing Analytical Services Limited confirmed the presence of oxazepam at a concentration above the applicable cut-off level of 200 ug/L.
Mr Trainor appeared at the inquiry and presented evidence from his general practitioner that he had been prescribed a medication that contained the banned substance.
Although, the medication was prescribed to Mr Trainor, he had not sought the approval of HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 252B to receive a specific banned substance, subject to the conditions of that Rule.
Mr Trainor pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 250(1)(a) as follows:
AHHR 250. (1) A driver commits an offence if:-
(a) A sample taken from him is found upon analysis to contain a substance banned by Rule 251,
AHHR 251. The following substances and/or their metabolites, artifacts, and isomers are declared as banned substances in drivers when present in a urine sample (unless otherwise stated) at a concentration above the applicable cut-off level:-
(k) All benzodiazepines – substances in this group include: but are not restricted to: …...Oxazepam (200μg/L):
Mr Trainor’s drivers licence was suspended for a period of four (4) weeks. The suspension of Mr Trainor’s drivers licence was suspended for a period of two (2) years on the basis that he does not commit a further banned substance offence during that period of two (2) years.
Mr Trainor was also issued with a fine of $500.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
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Mr Trainor’s first offence for such matter;
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Seriousness of the offence;
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The nature of the substance;
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Medication prescribed to Mr Trainor contained the banned substance;
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Mr Trainor’s guilty plea, licence history, personal and financial subjective facts.
Mr Trainor was advised of his right to appeal these decisions.
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.
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
