Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Steele Casey
RWWA Stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth, that arsenic in excess of the threshold value being 0.30 mg/L in urine, had been detected in the urine samples taken from the following horses after competing in and winning the races indicated:
- SEASIDE SERENADE – Ascot Race 5, 11 April 2018
- AVIDUS – Bunbury Race 7, 21 March 2018
- SEASIDE SERENADE – Bunbury Race 6, 25 March 2018
Evidence was taken from RWWA Veterinarian Dr. J Medd, RWWA Compliance Officer Mrs. F. Bennett, ChemCentre Analyst Ms. K. Wilson and the trainer Mr. Steele Casey. That evidence included analysis of various products, water and wood samples taken from Mr Steele’s training premises.
Mr Casey pleaded guilty to three charges under the provisions of ARR178 for bringing the horses in question to race with the prohibited substance being detected in the samples taken.
The rule in question is one of absolute liability which, once the presence of a prohibited substance is found, matters concerning the reasons for its presence were more relevant to penalty.
There was no evidence before the inquiry that Mr Casey used or possessed any products containing significant levels of arsenic. The analysis of samples taken from the property confirmed the presence of arsenic at a level of significance only in the wood sample. The levels detected in the horses being in the range of 0.52mg/L to 0.78mg/L.
Dr. Medd, referring to a study by Melbourne University faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences which examined the ingestion of wood shavings containing arsenic and the elevated levels achieved, advised such levels were not inconsistent with that seen in the samples taken from the horses in question. Stewards therefore could not exclude to the requisite standard that the level of arsenic detected in Mr Casey’s horses’ urine was not the result of the horses consuming fencing at the property.
Mr Casey indicated that he was not aware of the various warnings issued by the Stewards to trainers as published in Racing Ahead and on the RWWA website, with respect to arsenic and the need to conduct environmental audits of their facilities to ensure they eliminate access of racehorses to Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treated pine timber products which present a risk of elevated arsenic levels in race day samples.
It is expected that all trainers make reasonable efforts to keep abreast of industry warnings, such as those issued with respect to arsenic that are widely published and available. Ignorance to such notices which leads or contributes to offences under the rules is not acceptable and may lead to penalties being issued for any breaches that arise.
In view of his youth and short time that he has held a Permit to train, in addition to his cooperation and immediate plea of guilt and steps taken since, the Stewards determined not to impose a penalty against Mr Casey for the breaches of ARR178 at this time in the circumstances.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 177 all horses were disqualified from the races in question and the Stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly with commensurate implications for all stake money.
Stewards again warn all trainers to take steps to eliminate access of their racehorses to CCA treated pine timber products or any other products that may present a similar risk of an elevated arsenic level in any race day sample. Failure to take adequate steps to guard against such exposures may lead to penalties being imposed if the presentation of horses with arsenic levels in excess of the threshold arise.