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It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found by the following link: https://www.hrnsw.com.au/racing/stewards/openinquiries
New Inquiries –
· 4 August 2023– Ms Brooke McPherson– Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards commenced an investigation on Friday 4 August 2023 into the conduct of licensed Trainer Ms Brooke McPherson in relation to the horse LOOKINFORAREASON, a horse trained by Ms McPherson that was engaged in race 5, the HARNESS TRADING RING AUSTRALIA PACE (1740 metres) at Wagga on that date.
The investigation was commenced after HRNSW Stewards observed Ms McPherson to administer the contents of a syringe into the mouth of LOOKINFORAREASON whilst the horse was located in the horse float during transportation to the racecourse.
HRNSW Stewards took possession of items used in the administration as well as blood and urine samples from the horse. The items and samples were submitted for analysis. The horse LOOKINFORAREASON was withdrawn from the subject race by Stewards.
Ms McPherson was afforded an opportunity to provide submissions prior to 12 midday on Monday 7 August 2023 for the consideration of HRNSW Stewards in relation to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 183. Ms McPherson did not oppose the imposition of AHRR 183 and consequently she was informed that her Trainer and Driver licences were suspended, effective immediately.
Inquiries Conducted –
· 3 August 2023– Mr Michael Doltoff – HRNSW Stewards concluded an Inquiry that commenced on Tuesday 20 June 2023 in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone were detected in the post-race blood sample taken from AUSTRALIANA following its win in race 6, the DRAG BINGO @ CLUB PACEWAY JULY 9 PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 23 June 2022.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Michael Doltoff was present with his legal representative Mr Wayne Pasterfield and provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to his registered training establishment and the horse AUSTRALIANA. In addition, the certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Assistant Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Annie Knox were presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Doltoff pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Mr Doltoff was disqualified for a period of 13 months to commence immediately.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, AUSTRALIANA was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
· 18 August 2023– Mr Cameron Ross – HRNSW Stewards concluded an Inquiry that commenced on Tuesday 20 June 2023 in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that dexamethasone was detected in the post-race urine sample taken MACHS LEGACY following its win in race 5, the MARES SLIPPER PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 10 February 2023.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
Trainer Mr Cameron Ross and his legal representative Mr Peter Morris (Jnr) appeared at the Inquiry by way of Zoom audio/visual technology. Mr Ross provided evidence in relation to his registered training establishment and the horse MACHS LEGACY. In addition, the certificates of analysis and evidence from HRNSW Assistant Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Annie Knox and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott was provided to the Inquiry.
Mr Ross pleaded guilty to three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules.
Charge 1- Issued pursuant to AHRR 190 (1), (2) & (4).
Charge 2- Issued pursuant to AHRR 196A (1)(ii) & (2).
Charge 3- Issued pursuant to AHRR 190B (5) & (6).
Following an application on behalf of Mr Ross, HRNSW Stewards adjourned the Inquiry for penalty submissions to be provided. HRNSW Stewards gave consideration as to whether AHRR 183 should be invoked or otherwise. Following submissions on behalf of Mr Ross, together with all available information, HRNSW Stewards invoked AHRR 183(d) and consequently, the Trainer and Driver’s licence of Mr Ross were suspended, effective immediately.
In addition, acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, the horse MACHS LEGACY was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Ross was informed of his right to appeal these decisions.
On 18 August 2023, HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties:
Charge 1- 7 months disqualification to be served concurrent to Charge 2.
Charge 2- 10 months 2 weeks disqualification to commence from 12 July 2023 the date upon which Mr Ross was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183 and to expire on 26 May 2024.
Charge 3- $500 fine.
Mr Ross has appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards.
Appeal Decisions –
· 2 August 2023– Mr Leigh Davis appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 3 years after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following reports received from the National Measurement Institute (NMI) and Chemcentre that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the urine sample taken from RAINBOW TITAN following its win in race 6, the CHRISTY PARK PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Tuesday 22 June 2021.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal was upheld and a period of disqualification of 2 years and 5 months was imposed to commence from 21 April 2023, the date upon which Mr Davis was stood down pursuant to AHRR 183.
· 16 August 2023– Mr Paul Russo appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 3 years and 9 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine had been detected in the urine sample taken from A PASSION FOR ACES following its win in race 8, the NATIONAL TROTGUIDE ONLINE CLAIMING PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday 17 September 2019.
By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal, the appeal was dismissed.
· 30 August 2023– Mr John McCarthy appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 12 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following a report the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine had been detected in the urine sample taken from UNDER WORKED NZ following its win in race 4, the AINSWORTH GAME TECHNOLOGY PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday 16 October 2018.
By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal, the appeal was upheld and a 9 month period of disqualification was imposed to commence from 19 August 2023.
Mr McCarthy has appealed that decision to the NSW Supreme Court and an injunction was granted on 1 September 2023. The matter has been listed for hearing on Thursday 14 September 2023.
Integrity Information –
During the month of July 2023, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 792 Race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices –
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7 August 2023 – Mr Michael Doltoff- Inquiry Concluded. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
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8 August 2023 – Trainer Stood Down- Ms Brooke McPherson. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
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8 August 2023 – July 2023 Integrity Updates & Information. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
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9 August 2023 – Arrival Times Elevated TCO2 Levels as at 09/08/2023. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
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18 August 2023 – Mr Cameron Ross- Inquiry Concluded. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)
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