Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Jack Cockell – BRITTELLA
On Monday, 28 May 2018 RWWA Stewards conducted an inquiry into a report received from the ChemCentre in Perth that cobalt in excess of the threshold of 100 ug/L in urine, was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from BRITTELLA after it competed in and won Race 3, the TABtouch Dongara Sprint over 1100m at the Dongara-Irwin Race Club on Saturday, 31 March 2018.
This finding was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services in Melbourne.
Evidence was taken from the Trainer of BRITTELLA, Mr Jack Cockell, RWWA Investigator, Paul Criddle, ChemCentre Analyst, Ms Kelly Wilson and RWWA Industry Veterinarian, Dr Judith Medd.
Trainer Mr Jack Cockell subsequently pleaded guilty to the following charge:
ARR178-For bringing BRITTELLA to the Dongara-Irwin Race Club to compete in the above race with the prohibited substance cobalt being detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the mare.
The inquiry was adjourned by Stewards to consider the matter of penalty and in reaching their decision the following factors were taken into account:
- The seriousness of the charge
- The nature of the substance and level detected
- That Mr Cockell had a previous offence under the same rule in December 2014
- His guilty plea and personal circumstances
Mr Cockell was subsequently disqualified for a period of nine (9) months effective from 16 May 2018 being the date he was initially stood down under the provisions of LR 10(d).
Acting under the provisions of ARR177, BRITTELLA was disqualified as the winner of the above race with the placings amended accordingly.
-ENDS
Media Contact:
Russell Quinn
Manager Corporate Communications
Direct (08) 9445 5418
Email russell.quinn@rwwa.com.au