Queensland Harness Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into a report received from the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) that a pre race urine sample taken from DESTREOS (NZ) prior to its performance at Albion Park on Saturday, 7 May 2016 was found, upon analysis, to contain the prohibited substances Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone.
Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Ken Rattray, who explained his feeding and husbandry regime associated with this horse.
Evidence was also provided by Acting Manager of Veterinary Services Dr Karen Caldwell and Principal Analyst Samantha Nelis from the Racing Science Centre.
After considering all the evidence tendered, Stewards issued Mr Rattray with a charge pursuant to 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 Rattray presented DESTREOS (NZ) to race at Albion Park on 7 May 2016 when a pre race urine sample taken from the gelding was found, upon analysis, to contain the prohibited substances Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone.
Mr Rattray pleaded guilty to the charge as issued.
In assessing the matter of penalty, Stewards considered:
-
the forthright evidence of Mr Rattray;
-
his personal and financial circumstances;
-
his recent record in relation to this rule;
-
the nature of the substance concerned;
-
the need for a penalty to serve as a deterrent to illustrate that drug free racing is of paramount importance to the integrity of harness racing.
Mr Rattray was disqualified for a period of 6 months effective immediately.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195 DESTREOS (NZ) was disqualified from its performance at Albion Park on 7 May 2016 and all other placegetters were amended accordingly.
Mr Rattray was advised of his rights to internal review.
Panel: D Farquharson, K Wolsey, N Torpey
Racing Queensland