Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Apprentice Jockey Chloe Azzopardi
Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s (RWWA) stewards have concluded an inquiry into a report received from the ChemCentre Perth that a banned substance was detected in a sample taken from apprentice jockey Ms Chloe Azzopardi, following trackwork at Ascot Racecourse on 5 November 2020.
At an inquiry conducted on 8 December 2020, evidence was taken from ChemCentre analyst Mr. C Russo, RWWA Medical Advisor Dr. Peter Cummins and Ms Azzopardi, who was supported by her family and RWWA Manager Racing Careers and Training Mr. R Fleming.
Ms Azzopardi pleaded guilty to breaching Australian Rule 139 (1) (a) which states:
AR139 Offences where riders use banned substances
- A rider breaches these Australian Rules if:
- A banned substance under AR136(1) is detected in a sample taken from the rider
In assessing penalty stewards took into account all factors including:
- Ms Azzopardi’s unblemished record with respect to these matters
- The seriousness of the offence
- The banned substance detected
- Ms Azzopardi’s guilty plea and personal circumstances
- Penalty precedent for similar offences
After reserving their decision with respect to penalty, the stewards subsequently determined to impose a suspension of six months effective as of 27 November 2020, which was the date upon which the results of analysis were reported to the stewards and Ms Azzopardi, who was injured at the time, was stood down from riding pending outcome of the inquiry.
Pursuant to AR141, the stewards further determined to stay the operation of the penalty under the following terms and conditions:
- That on the provision of a clear sample and attendance with a RWWA approved counsellor, Ms Azzopardi would be permitted to undertake duties of a stablehand.
- Following a period of two months (i.e., as of 26 January 2021) and provision of a further clear sample and compliance with any recommendations with respect to further counselling, Ms Azzopardi would be permitted to undertake trackwork.
- Following a further period of two months (i.e., 26 March 2021) and subject to compliance with any requirements of the stewards with respect to provision of further clear samples, Ms Azzopardi would be permitted to ride in official trials.
- On the condition that all above requirements were complied with, the stewards would upon written request, which includes a report from Ms Azzopardi’s counsellor and reference from her licensed employer, consider permanently staying the final month of her period of suspension, thus enabling her to return to race riding as an apprentice jockey from 26 April 2021.
- During the period of suspension the stewards may direct Ms Azzopardi to provide a sample at any time. Should Ms Azzopardi fail to provide a sample on the day it is requested, any stay of penalty shall immediately cease, and the suspension as imposed would apply in full.