Harness Racing South Australia Stewards today conducted a hearing into an adverse test result returned by PRINCESS CLEOPATRA following its win in Race 4 at Port Pirie on Friday 12th January 2018.
The particulars being that a post-race sample taken from PRINCESS CLEOPATRA was shown to contain Cobalt at a mass concentration greater than the permissible tolerance.
Mr Sims admitted a resultant breach of Rule (AHHR) 190(1) which states “A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances”
After considering submissions on penalty and after having regard to the following relevant factors:
The nature of the substance detected and the seriousness of the offence in all of the circumstances.
The level reported by the Racing Analytical Services Ltd, which was toward the lower end.
Mr Sims’s personal circumstances, including his length of involvement in harness racing industry
Mr Sim’s submissions with respect to the medications employed in the treatments of his horses, which the Stewards were satisfied was the primary cause for irregularity reported. • Penalties imposed in South Australia and other jurisdictions in relation to this prohibited substance.
Mr Sim’s co-operation during the currency of the investigation
The need for both specific and general deterrence
The Stewards determined that Mr Sims be disqualified for a period of eight months with such disqualification to commence at midnight on Tuesday 15th May 2018.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, PRINCESS CLEOPATRA was disqualified from first placing in Race 4 at Port Pirie 12th January 2018 and Stewards directed that the placing’s be amended accordingly.
All enquiries to
Ross Neal /Chairman of Stewards
rneal@saharness.org.au