Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today resumed an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the analysts’ findings in respect to a pre race urine sample taken from Nolonga Your Choice (NZ) prior to it competing in Race 6 at Redcliffe on 2 April 2016.
The Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) reported a level of Cobalt in the sample in excess of the threshold as prescribed by the Australian Harness Racing Rules. This inquiry was opened on 12 September 2016 and was adjourned until 10 November 2016 to allow Ms Scott to make further investigations. On 10 November 2016, Ms Scott 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 Ms Scott presented Nolonga Your Choice (NZ) to race at Redcliffe on 2 April 2016, when a pre race urine sample was found, upon analysis, to contain a prohibited substance, namely Cobalt above the prescribed threshold.
Ms Scott pleaded not guilty to the charge and a further adjournment was granted to allow her to make further submissions in answer to the charge. Stewards were today provided with submissions in this regard. After consideration of all the available evidence relating to this matter, Stewards were of the view the charge could be sustained and formally found Ms Scott guilty as charged.
When assessing the matter of penalty, Stewards took into account;
- The nature of the substance
- The level of Cobalt recorded (280Ug/L)
- No previous offences under this rule
- The circumstances of the case
- 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.
Ms Rachel Scott was disqualified for 15 months effective immediately.
Stewards directed under Rule 195 that Nolonga Your Choice (NZ) be disqualified from its winning performance at Redcliffe on 2 April 2016 and all other placegetters be amended accordingly.
Ms Scott was advised of her rights to an internal review of this decision.
24 November 2016
Stewards Inquiry Rachel Scott
Panel: D Farquharson, K Wolsey, N Torpey