Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today concluded an inquiry into a report issued from the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) which stated that a high level of Cobalt was present in the urine sample taken from Jessica Dale prior to it competing in the Rising Stars Championship C0 Final at the harness racing meeting at Albion Park on 20 September 2014.
The inquiry commenced on 20 May 2015 and evidence was taken from trainer Ken Belford, who explained his feeding regime and husbandry practices leading up to the race in question.
Evidence was also provided by Professor Paul Mills (University of Queensland), Dr Bruce Young (RSC) and Michael O’Connor (legal counsel representative for Mr Belford).
Following submissions from M O’Connor, Stewards granted a further adjournment of the inquiry to enable Mr Belford to provide evidence from Dr Robert Kinobe (James Cook University).
On 25 June, further submissions were tendered by Michael O’Connor for Mr Belford and evidence was taken from Dr Kinobe.
After consideration Mr Ken Belford was charged pursuant to Australian Harness Racing (AHR) Rule 190(1) which reads:
“A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances”
The particulars of the charge being that Mr Belford did present JESSICA DALE for racing at Albion Park on 20 September 2014 when a urine sample taken from the mare prior to it competing in Race 5, the Rising Stars Championship Final, was found, upon analysis, to contain a prohibited substance, namely Cobalt at a mass concentration of 360 ug/L.
After considering submissions in defence of the charge, Stewards found Mr Belford in breach of AHR rule 190(1) and reserved their decision regarding penalty to consider personal circumstances and other subjective facts.
When determining an appropriate penalty Stewards were of the view that the following points were relevant:
1. Mr Belford has had one prior breach of this rule in a 52 year licence history
2. The level of Cobalt detected in Jessica Dale, being 360 Ug/L
3. The negative impact to the image of Harness Racing and the potential to
undermine the integrity of the sport
4. Need for a penalty to serve as a deterrent to illustrate that the non-standard use of this prohibited substance has no place in the harness racing industry
5. Nature of the substance Cobalt and the potential to compromise the health and welfare of Jessica Dale.
6. Personal circumstances of Mr Belford
Having considered the abovementioned points, Stewards ruled that the imposition of an 18 month disqualification was appropriate.
This penalty will take effect from midnight Friday, 3 July 2015.
Acting under the provisions of AHR Rule 195, Jessica Dale was disqualified from its 3rd placing at Albion Park on 20 September 2014, and all other placegetters were amended accordingly.
Mr Belford was advised of his rights of appeal.
Panel: D Farquharson, A Reardon & D Aurisch