Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today into reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that tiludronic acid was detected in the following samples obtained from the horse PERFECT STRIDE NZ:
- B239930 - Out of Competition sample obtained on 3 December 2024;
- B238094 - Prerace blood sample obtained prior to Race 5, the TAB INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP - (SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND HEAT 6 )(1730 metres) conducted at Bathurst on Wednesday 4 December 2024;
- B239099- Prerace blood sample obtained prior to Race 2, the TAB INTER DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP - (THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND HEAT 7 )(2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 7 December 2024;
- B239419 - Out of Competition sample obtained on 12 December 2024.
- N290940 - Postrace urine sample obtained following Race 3, the TAB INTER DOMINION PACERS CONSOLATION (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 14 December 2024.
The ‘B’ portions for the blood samples and the reserve portion/control for the urine sample were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
The certificates of analysis issued by ARFL and RASL in relation to each sample were entered into evidence.
Licensed Trainer Mr Shane Sanderson appeared at the Inquiry with registered veterinarian Dr Alannah Norton. Mr Sanderson and Dr Norton provided evidence in relation to the horse PERFECT STRIDE NZ and the treatment of the horse with Tildren (tiludronic acid) on 3 June 2024.
HRNSW Assistant Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Annie Knox attended and provided evidence to the Inquiry.
Mr Sanderson pleaded guilty to three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Rule 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.
In respect of those charges, pursuant to AHRR 256(6), Stewards recorded convictions however no further penalties were imposed.
In considering penalty, Stewards considered the evidence and expert opinions of Dr Knox and Dr Norton in relation to tiludronic acid, bisphosphonates in general, withdrawal/detection times as well as a scientific study in which tiludronic acid was detected in three (3) horses after a period of three (3) years following administration.
In addition, Stewards considered the totality of the evidence and the circumstances involved including the fact that the horse PERFECT STRIDE NZ had been treated with Tildren six (6) months prior to the first sample irregularity.
Further, in consideration of penalty, Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Sanderson’s guilty pleas;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- Two previous prohibited substance matters (2010 & 2014)
- Mr Sanderson’s licence history and other personal subjective factors.
Acting under the provisions of AHHR 195, PERFECT STRIDE NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned races.
