Harness Racing South Australia stewards concluded an inquiry into results received from the Racing Chemistry Laboratory that cobalt was detected above the threshold in a sample taken from Glenthorne following its win in Race 7, the Mountain View Stud Pace (Heat 2) at Mount Gambier on 30 November 2014.
The “B” sample and associated control sample was confirmed by the National Measurement Institute in New South Wales.
Mick Micallef appeared at the inquiry, where evidence including the Reports of Analysis and expert evidence from Harness Racing New South Wales Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Wainscott was taken.
Dr Wainscott gave evidence on cobalt administration trials conducted by HRNSW, the effect of repeated administration, and the cobalt levels recorded 24 hours after that administration.
Micallef pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 190(1), (2) & (4) for presenting Glenthorne to race not free of a prohibited substance.
Micallef was disqualified for a period of 2 ½ years, backdated to 16 March 2015, the date on which he was stood down.
In considering penalty, Stewards were mindful of the nature of the substance, the levels detected (370ug/L and 387ug/L) and the guilty plea.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, Glenthorne was disqualified from the abovementioned race, which was a qualifying race for the Millicent Cup.
Further, acting under the provisions of Rule 195(A)(1), Glenthorne was disqualified from the subsequent race, Race 1, The Millicent Cup (Final) at Mount Gambier on 14 December 2014.
– HRSA Media