By: RacingNSW.Com
Racing NSW Stewards today concluded an inquiry, opened on Friday, 21 April 2017, into the analyst’s finding of Cobalt, at a concentration above the level excepted by AR178C(1)(l), in a urine sample collected from the racehorse I Too Can Dance after it won Race 3, Maiden Plate 1700m at Grafton Racecourse on Monday, 13 February 2017.
Evidence was taken from licensed trainer Mr Daniel Want, who also represented the interests of the owners of I Too Can Dance, Racing NSW official veterinarian Dr Craig Suann, veterinarian Dr Derek Major and ARFL science manager Dr Adam Cawley.
Solicitor Mr Matthew Tutt made submissions on behalf of Mr Want.
Mr Want, who reserved his plea, was found guilty of a charge under AR178 in that he did bring I Too Can Dance to Grafton Racecourse on Monday, 13 February 2017 for the purpose of engaging in Race 3, Maiden Plate 1700m and the prohibited substance Cobalt, at a concentration above the threshold excepted by AR178C(1)(l), was detected in a urine sample collected from the gelding after it won the said event.
After taking into account a number of aggravating and mitigating factors Mr Want’s licence to train was disqualified for a period of 15 months, to expire on 15 August 2018. Under the powers of AR196(6)(a) the commencement of the penalty was deferred for seven days, however, Mr Want may not start a horse in any race in that period.
Acting under the provisions of AR177, I Too Can Dance was disqualified from its first placing in Race 3, the Maiden Plate 1700m at Grafton Racecourse on 13 February 2017 and the placings amended as follows:
1st Wraith of Odin
2nd Blatant Warrior
3rd Mystic Skies
4th Tempa Mental
Mr Want was advised of his rights of appeal.
