Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an inquiry on Monday following an investigation that commenced on 19 December 2017 during an inspection of the registered training establishment of licensed trainer, Mr Joseph Pace.
During that stable inspection, HRNSW Steward Mr Daniel Westwood, located a bottle labelled PENTOFLEX GOLD, an unregistered product.
Evidence was presented to the inquiry by Mr Pace and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott.
Mr Ian Mitchell also provided evidence to the inquiry by telephone. The results of scientific analysis conducted on the product were also presented to the inquiry.
Mr. Pace pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 194 as follows:
194. A person who procures or attempts to procure or has in his possession or on his premises or under his control any substance or preparation that is not registered or labelled in accordance with either State or Commonwealth Legislation is guilty of an offence.
As a result, the training licence of Mr Pace was fully suspended for a period of nine (9) months to commence immediately.
In determining penalty, Stewards gave consideration to the following matters:
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Mr Pace’s second offence for such matters having been licensed in the harness racing industry in New South Wales in excess of 40 years;
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His guilty plea;
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Mr Pace’s overall licence history and other personal subjective facts, including personal hardship.
Mr Pace was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gadams@hrnsw.com.au