Enhanced Security and Integrity Measures for TABtouch Perth Inter Dominion Series
23 November, 2015
Harness
RWWA Stewards advise that the following initiatives will be applied to enhance integrity and security measures during the Inter Dominion Series being conducted in Perth.
- Regular stable visitations by Stewards and RWWA Veterinarians to examine all medications and records of treatment and examine horses involved in the series.
- Out of competition testing of all horses nominated throughout the course of the series.
- All runners will be subject to pre-race sampling with additional post-race sampling also to apply. To facilitate this all horses engaged in the series will be required to be on course no less than two hours prior to the event. Post-race sampling for TCO2 will also be conducted at the Stewards discretion.
- Security guards, engaged from WA National Football League Umpires Association will also be in place for all runners engaged in the Final up to presentation on course.
- All Trainers, Drivers and connections are placed on notice that in reflection of the high quality nature of the race, there will be no tolerance or leniency with regard to any infringements of the rules relating to handling of horses, interference, crossing, whips and other related racing matters. Higher penalties, including fines will be applied for any breaches of related rules.
- Any driver that incurs a suspension arising from any heat of the series, will not be granted a postponement/deferment of penalty and such penalty will apply from that day.
- Stewards will order the withdrawal of any horse that has been:
- treated, or attempted to have been treated with any medication on race day in breach of Harness Rule of Racing 193 (3) with the persons concerned liable to further action.
- Within 48 hours of the race been stomach tubed or attempted to be stomach tubed
- Within 48 hours of the race a person uses or attempts to use an atomiser, face mask or other device for the administration of a prohibited substance
All Samples taken from runners during the series will be made subject to long-term storage at the Chem Centre for future analysis by the Chem Centre or other approved laboratories for testing.
Drivers are also placed on notice that Stewards will be applying significantly higher penalties for any driving related offences, which may include considerable fines in addition to higher tariffs of suspension in any of the Inter Dominion races.
As there will be no deferment of driving suspensions arising from the heats, to avoid being unable to continue in the series, Drivers should take every precaution to ensure they drive competitively but within the rules and ensure their actions do not adversely impact other horses contrary to the rules.
In addition to the above, Nick Murray and Kylie Harrison from Harness Racing Victoria will be joining the WA panel to assist in the officiating and conducting of racing during this period. Kylie will attend the heats while Nick will join the panel for the final of the series.