News & Media

14 July 2009 Stewards' Inquiry - Thoroughbreds

RWWA Stewards yesterday concluded the inquiry into a report from the Racing Chemistry Laboratory in Perth, that the pre-race blood sample taken from the four year old mare FLYTHAIGA prior to it competing and finishing in 5th place in Race 8 the Preened Handicap (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday, 31 January 2009, had a level of total carbon dioxide (TCO2) in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.

This finding had been verified by the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory in Victoria.

Evidence was taken from Trainer Mr Greg Harper, his advisor Mr Tom Dillon, Racing Chemistry Laboratory Manager Mr Charles Russo and RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr. Peter Symons.

Mr Harper pleaded guilty to a charge under AR178 for presenting FLYTHAIGA to race at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, 31 January 2009 with a level of TCO2 in excess of 36.0millimoles per litre in plasma.

In consideration of penalty Stewards took the following into account:

• Mr Harper’s guilty plea.
• The seriousness of the charge.
• Mr Harper’s record-this being his fourth breach of the prohibited substance rules and his third in relation to elevated levels of TCO2.
• The high levels of TCO2 recorded in this offence.
• His personal circumstances including health and financial issues.

Mr Harper was disqualified for a period of 5 years effective immediately.

Acting under the provisions of AR177 FLYTHAIGA was disqualified from 5th place in Race 8 the Preened Handicap (1600m) on Saturday, 31 January 2009 and the placings amended to:

1st	BRAVE KNIGHT	(A. Kennedy)
2nd	ROCKY RANGE	(W. Pike)
3rd	CALLER ONE	(S. Parnham)
4th	DOUBLE BARREL	(J. Whiting)
5th	KINDY KID	(C. Haddon)

JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards

For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777