Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today concluded an inquiry into a report received from the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre (RSC) that a swab sample taken from TRIKALA following its winning performance at Albion Park on 23 June 2015 was found upon analysis to contain the prohibited substance Arsenic above the prescribed threshold.
Evidence was taken from Ms Vicki Rasmussen, the trainer of TRIKALA, who explained her feeding and husbandry regime associated with this horse. Evidence was also provided by Dr Peter Hill on behalf of Miss Rasmussen.
Dr Karen Caldwell, Senior Veterinary Officer (RSC) explained the effects of Arsenic on the horses’ bodily system and Mark Jarrett, Manager Analytical Services (RSC) explained the methodology in the testing of the sample.
After considering the evidence tendered, Stewards issued a charge against Ms Rasmussen 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 Rasmussen presented TRIKALA to race at Albion Park on 23 June 2015 when a post-race urine sample taken from the gelding was found upon analysis to contain the prohibited substance Arsenic above the prescribed threshold.
Ms Rasmussen pleaded not guilty to the charge.
After further consideration, Stewards were satisfied that the charge could be sustained as issued and found Ms Rasmussen guilty.
In assessing the matter of penalty, Stewards were mindful of the nature of the substance concerned, the particular circumstances of this case, the fact that this was Ms Rasmussen’s second offence under this Rule within a 7 month period, other personal subjective matters and the need for a penalty to serve as both a specific and general deterrent to illustrate that drug free racing is of paramount importance to the integrity of Harness Racing.
Stewards determined the appropriate penalty be the disqualification of Ms Rasmussen’s licence for a period of 6 months.
Under the provisions of Rule 195 TRIKALA was disqualified as the winner of Race 6 at Albion Park on 23 June, 2015 and all other placegetters were amended accordingly.
Ms Rasmussen was advised of her rights of appeal.
Panel: D Farquharson, K Wolsey, N Boyle