Stewards’ Inquiry – Harness
21 January, 2009
Harness
Stewards today concluded an inquiry adjourned from Friday 21 November 2008 when SNEAKYN DOWN UNDER trained by Darren Duffy was withdrawn by Order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice prior to the running of Race 5 the 882 6PR Weekend Garden Party Stakes (2130 mbl) when it was established that the gelding had been treated on race day for greasy heel. An inquiry into the circumstances of the treatment was opened and adjourned pending analysis of the medication and a urine sample taken from the gelding.
The urine sample was reported to have been free of prohibited substances, however, the medication was found to contain the prohibited substance Prednisolone. Trainer Darren Duffy was found guilty to a charge of having administered medication to SNEAKYN DOWN UNDER on race day issued under the provisions of Rule 193(3) and was fined $2000. In determining penalty Stewards were mindful of the circumstances of the offence and the forthright manner in which Mr Duffy gave his evidence.
Stewards further sought clarification of comments made by Mr Duffy in relation to the condition of SNEAKYN DOWN UNDER prior to it having competed in Race 7 the 2008 Channel 9 Celebrity Sprint (1730 mbl) at Gloucester Park on Wednesday 31 December 2008. Mr Duffy explained that the gelding had knocked the nearside knee some days prior to the race and as a result had missed 2 days work. Whilst acknowledging with hindsight that he should have advised the Stewards of the condition he had been confident of a forward showing from the gelding. Stewards took no action over the matter other than to advise Mr Duffy that in similar circumstances he was expected to abide by the provisions of Rule 30 and notify the Stewards as soon as practicable of any illness or condition that may affect the running of a horse in a race.
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Stewards also concluded an inquiry into an incident that occurred in the float car park at approximately 10.00pm on Friday 9 January 2009. Evidence had been taken from Racing Investigator Mr Geoff Johnson and Trainer Mr Greg Harper which established that POWER OF TARA NZ had been drenched in the float car park prior to leaving the course to travel home following its engagement that evening. Mr Harper explained that the gelding would not drink and he had administered water and electrolytes as a welfare issue, due to the distance to be travelled. The Stewards obtained veterinary advice that the treatment was understandable in these circumstances. An analysis of the substance administered confirmed that it did not contain prohibited substances. Mr Harper pleaded guilty to a charge issued under the provisions of Rule 192(1)(c) for having had the apparatus to carry out an administration in his horse float on course. He was fined $2000. In determining penalty Stewards were mindful of the circumstances of the administration in that Mr Harper considered he had been acting in the best interests of the gelding and gave his evidence in a forthright manner.
Bill Delaney
Chief Steward – Harness
For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Gloucester Park
Nelson Crescent
East Perth WA
T (08) 9323 3580 F (08) 9323 3592 M 0419 769 469