Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the analysts’ findings in respect to a pre race urine sample taken from Family Decision prior to its harness racing performance in Race 8 at Albion Park on 19 March 2016.
The Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) reported the prohibited substance Boldenone in the sample.
Evidence was today provided by trainer Noel Parrish who explained his feeding regime and husbandry practices leading up to the race in question. Evidence was also tendered by Dr Karen Caldwell, Acting Manager of Veterinary Services (RSC) and Samantha Nelis, Principal Analyst (RSC).
After consideration, Mr Parrish was charged 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 Parrish presented Family Decision to race in Race 8 at Albion Park on 19 March 2016, when a pre race urine sample taken from that gelding was found, upon analysis, to contain the prohibited substance Boldenone.
Mr Parrish was found guilty of the charge as issued.
When assessing the matter of penalty Stewards gave consideration to the following:
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The serious nature of the substance;
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Mr Parrish’s licence history of 35 years and his personal and financial situation;
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The particular circumstances of the case;
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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;
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Penalty precedents;
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A recent offence under this rule.
Mr Parrish was disqualified for a period of 12 months effective immediately.
Acting under Rule 195 Family Decision was disqualified from its performance at Albion Park on 19 March 2016 and all other placegetters were amended accordingly. Stewards further directed that Family Decision be barred from racing for a period of 12 months commencing 19 March 2016 in accordance with Australian Harness Racing Rule 190AA(4)(a).
Mr Parrish was advised of his right to review the decision.
Inquiry: Noel Parrish – Panel: D Farquharson, N Torpey, J Hackett