Harness Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Gary Elson – ARTURUS NZ & SCOOBYS DELIGHT
28 September, 2018
Harness
Stewards wish to advise the inquiry involving Mr Elson, conducted on 20 March, was adjourned at the request of his counsel, pending the outcome of matters being considered in other jurisdictions that may have relevance to this matter.
Those matters have now concluded with determinations published.
Stewards issued the following charges on 23 March 2018:
Charge 1
Rule 190 with the particulars of the charge being that Mr Elson, as the trainer, presented ARTURUS NZ to race at Gloucester Park on 3 November 2017, where it competed and finished 4th, not free of the prohibited substance cobalt, evidenced by a concentration of cobalt at a level in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.
Charge 2
Rule 190 with the particulars of the charge being that Mr Elson, as the trainer presented SCOOBYS DELIGHT to race at Gloucester Park on 4 August 2017 where it competed and won, not free of the prohibited substance cobalt, evidenced by a concentration of cobalt at a level in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.
Furthermore Miss Kristy Elson had been advised that Stewards were reserving their position with respect to whether any charges might apply in relation to her by virtue of the Harness Trainer’s Authority lodged when ARTURUS NZ was presented and Rule 190 (3) until further evidence is heard and responses to the charges laid against Mr Elson are received.
The inquiry was resumed on Friday 21 September 2018 where both Mr Elson and Miss Elson appeared.
Mr Elson made submissions making application for further testing of the samples and accordingly elected to reserve his plea pending the outcome of such analysis.
After considering Mr Elson’s submissions, Stewards denied the request for testing and advised the matter would proceed on the basis of a not guilty plea.
The Stewards have now completed their deliberations with respect to the charges and have determined to find Mr Elson guilty of both charges.
The matter is now scheduled to resume on Monday 15 October 2018 to receive submissions on the question of penalty which both Mr Elson and Miss Elson have been directed to attend.
The previous suspension of Mr Elson’s licence remains pending the outcome of this inquiry.