The Office of Racing Integrity stewards have concluded an inquiry which began on 26 August 2015 into the results of analysis on human urine samples provided by harness racing driver Nathan Ford at the Tasmanian Pacing Club meeting on 24 May 2015.
During the inquiry evidence was taken from representatives of Racing Analytical Services Ltd, the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Nathan Ford. Mr Ford was assisted in the inquiry by Barrister Carolyn Graves and Dr Michael Robertson.
Mr Ford was found guilty on two (2) charges under AHRR 243, which states:
“A person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not behave in a way which is prejudicial or detrimental to the industry.”
In determining penalty, stewards took into consideration:
- Mr Ford’s not guilty plea;
- his personal circumstances;
- the serious nature of the offences, which pose a threat to the integrity and public confidence in harness racing; and
- that Mr Ford’s actions undermine the importance of drug testing as a means of ensuring the safety and welfare of participants.
Stewards issued Mr Ford with the following penalties:
- On the first charge Mr Ford was disqualified for a period of 18 months, which was discounted by two months to allow for the time he had been stood down from driving pending the inquiry.
- On the second charge Mr Ford was disqualified for a period of two and a half years.
The disqualifications are to be served cumulatively and will expire at midnight on 8 August 2019.
Adrian Crowther
Chairman of Stewards – Harness