By: Reid Sanders

Today, Harness Racing New South Wales(HRNSW) Stewards, commenced an inquiry into a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that the substancesboldenone, nandrolone and 5alpha-estran-3beta,17alpha-diol were detected in a post race urine sample collected from VINNY CHASE subsequent to that horse winning at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday, 14 June 2016.

The “B” sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Melbourne.

The inquiry also considered a further report from the ARFL that the substances boldenone, nandrolone and 5alpha-estran-3beta,17alpha-diol were detected in an out of competition urine sample collected from VINNY CHASE at the registered training establishment of Mrs B McCarthy on 15 July 2016.

Mrs McCarthy appeared and was represented by Solicitor Mr Matthew Hammond.

Mrs McCarthy was issued with the following charges:

Pursuant to AHRR 190 (1),(2) & (4), which reads;

(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.

(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.

That as the registered she did present VINNY CHASE to race at Tabcorp Park Menangle on 14 June 2016 with prohibited substances in its system.

Pursuant to AHRR 190A (1) (a);

1)  When a sample taken at any time from a horse being trained or cared for by a licensed person has detected in it any prohibited substance specified in sub-rule (2):-

(a)  The trainer and any other person who was in charge of such horse at the relevant time shall be guilty of an offence.   

That as the registered trainer at the relevant time on 15 July 2016, she did have VINNY CHASE in her care, when a urine sample upon anaylsis revealed it to contain prohibited substances in contravention of Rule 190A (2)(r).

Mr Hammond on behalf of his client, Mrs McCarthy sought an adjournment to consider the charges and to provide further expert evidence.

Stewards adjourned the inquiry until 11am on Wednesday, 26 October 2016.

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 an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.

 

Reid Sanders – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

p: (02) 9722 6600 • e: rsanders@hrnsw.com.au

www.harnessmediacentre.com.au