Stewards’ Report for Harness Racing Trainer Paul Matis
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the analysts finding of Dexamethasone in the pre-race urine sample taken from Sir Semper Fidelis NZ prior to the horse competing in Race 6, Qld Four-Year-Old Championship at Albion Park on 2 July 2016. Sir Semper Fidelis was trained for this event by Paul Matis.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid hormone that acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.
After taking evidence from Mr Matis, Dr K. Caldwell, Manager, Veterinary Services at the Racing Science Centre and Ms S. Nelis, Principal Analyst at the Racing Science Centre Stewards charged Paul Matis with the contravention of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190(1) which reads:
“A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.”
Mr Matis pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, after careful consideration of the evidence by the Stewards, was found guilty as charged.
In determining an appropriate penalty, amongst other things, Stewards weighed up all the circumstances relating to the commission of the particular offence and the individual circumstances of Mr Matis as well as the provisions of AHRR. 190(2) and (4).
Stewards are of the view that the rules are concerned with the maintenance of the formulation of a proper standard of conduct to be expected of members of the racing fraternity and also to act as a form of discipline for members of that racing fraternity.
Further Stewards believe that any penalty is applied to enforce compliance to the rules and is done by the imposition of a punishment which includes aspects of deterrents. Not only to that particular licensee but also as a deterrent to like-minded members of the racing community who may feel obliged to commit similar like conduct.
After considering penalties applied in recent comparable matters Stewards fined Paul Matis the sum of $6,000.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195 Sir Semper Fidelis NZ was disqualified from Race 6 at Albion Park on 2 July 2016 and the placings were amended accordingly.
Mr Matis was advised of his rights of an Internal Review
Date – 11 October 2016
Panel – N. Torpey; L. Wilson & A. Reardon