Harness Racing South Australia (HRSA) Stewards conducted an inquiry yesterday into a report received from Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) that Cobalt above the threshold was detected in a urine sample taken from PENNY SNATCHER prior to it competing in Race 3, the BGC Industrial Cleaning Supplies 3YO Pace at Globe Derby on 8 August 2016.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Chem Centre in Western Australia.
Evidence was taken from trainer Scott Garraway regarding his feeding and treatment regime and regulatory veterinarian Dr. Roger Haensel.
Mr Garraway was found guilty of charges under Rules 190(1), 190(2) and 190(4) in that he presented PENNY SNATCHER to race at Globe Derby on 8 August 2016 not free of a prohibited substance.
Mr Garraway was disqualified for 3 years and ordered to pay $1500 to HRSA to cover the cost of analytical testing.
In determining penalty Stewards took into account:
· the level of Cobalt recorded (350 ug/L)
· the short period of time Mr Garraway has held a trainers licence
· his not guilty plea
· the penalties applied in other Cobalt cases in SA
Mr Garraway has since lodged an appeal with the Racing Appeals Tribunal and has been granted a stay of proceedings.
Barbara Scott
CHAIR OF STEWARDS