Harness Racing South Australia Stewards today conducted an inquiry into a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) that a blood sample taken from GO GO RED at Port Pirie on 29 July 2016 prior to it competing in Race 7, returned an elevated total plasma carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration of 36.4mmol/L.
Evidence was taken from trainer Cheryl Herman who explained her feeding and husbandry practices leading up to the race in question. Evidence was also provided by Dr. Roger Haensel, Veterinarian. Stewards also presented evidence of a non-raceday TCO2 sample taken from GO GO RED on 22 August 2016 that returned a TCO2 concentration of 31.6mmol/L.
After considering all the available evidence, Stewards charged Mrs Herman under Rule 193(3) which reads:
A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on raceday prior to such horse running in a race.
Stewards were mindful of Rule 193(6) which states:
For the purposes of this rule medication means any treatment with drugs or other substances.
Stewards placed weight on the expert evidence of Dr. Roger Haensel who explained that the only credible explanation for the elevated level of TCO2 detected in the blood sample taken from GO GO RED was due to the administration of alkalising agents on raceday.
In determining penalty stewards took into account Mrs Herman’s guilty plea, her previous good record and previous penalties issued under this rule. Stewards also accepted that the TCO2 level of 36.4mmol/L was not considered a prohibited substance, however this is not a requirement when considering if a person is in breach of Rule 193(3).
Mrs Herman had her trainers licence suspended for 4 months effective 6 September 2016.
Acting under Rule 193(5) GO GO RED was disqualified from its second placing at Port Pirie on 29 July.
by Barbara Scott, Chair of Stewards