Racing Queensland Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the analyst’s findings that high levels of Cobalt were detected in urine samples obtained from Ohoka Mach(NZ) – (1100 ug/L) following its win at the harness racing meeting at Redcliffe on 30 April 2014 and Mister Manhattan (NZ) – (630 ug/L) following its win at the harness racing meeting at Redcliffe on 6 September 2014.
Trainer Trevor Lambourn gave evidence today relating to his feeding and husbandry practices leading up to the races in question.
Stewards considered submissions from Mr Lambourn’s legal counsel Mr Michael O’Connor.
Evidence was also taken from Professor Paul Mills (University of Queensland), Dr Robert Kenobi (James Cook University) and Dr Bruce Young from the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre.
After consideration the following charges were issued in breach of Rule 190(1) which reads:
“A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.”
Charge 1 – that Mr Lambourn presented Ohoka Mach (NZ) for racing at Redcliffe on 30 April 2014 when a sample taken from that horse was found, upon analysis, to contain the prohibited substance Cobalt.
Charge 2 – that Mr Lambourn presented Mister Manhattan (NZ) for racing at Redcliffe on 6 September 2014 when a sample taken from that horse was found, upon analysis, to contain the prohibited substance Cobalt.
Mr Lambourn pleaded not guilty to both charges as issued.
After consideration of further submissions Stewards were of the view that both charges could be sustained and found Mr Lambourn guilty.
Submissions were tendered in relation to penalty and after consideration the following penalties were issued:
Charge 1 – three (3) years disqualification
Charge 2 – three (3) years disqualification
Stewards directed that both terms of disqualification be served concurrently.
Acting under AHR 195 Ohoka Mach(NZ) was disqualified from its 1st placing at Redcliffe on 30 April 2014 and Mister Manharran(NZ) was disqualified from its 1st placing at Redcliffe on 6 September 2014 and all other placegetters were amended accordingly.
Mr Lambourn was advised of his rights of appeal.
Panel: David Farquharson, Allan Reardon, Daniel Aurisch