Media Release: Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry MATERIAL MAN
RWWA Stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into the report received from the ChemCentre in Perth that Flunixin had been detected in the blood sample taken from MATERIAL MAN at Belmont Trials on 12 November, 2018 where it competed in and won Trial 13.
Stewards heard evidence from trainer Mr Justin Warwick, ChemCentre Analyst Ms K Wilson, Veterinarian Dr P Symons and RWWA Senior Investigator Mr G Johnson. Mr Warwick pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Charge 1
Local Rule 177A with the particulars of the charge being that Mr Warwick was the trainer of MATERIAL MAN when it was brought to engage in Trial 13 at Belmont Trials on 12 November, 2018 where the prohibited substance Flunixin was detected in a blood sample taken prior to that official trial.
Charge 2
AR178F – 2 counts:
1. Count 1 – Particulars of the charge were in relation to Mr Warwick’s failure to record the treatment and medication of Flunixin administered to MATERIAL MAN on 9 November, 2018 within his treatment records as required under the rules.
2. Count 2 – Particulars of the charge were in relation to Mr Warwick’s failure to record details of treatment to MATERIAL MAN after the trial on 12 November, 2018 within his treatment records as required under the rules.
After consideration, the Stewards have today determined to impose the following penalties for these offences.
1. A fine of $4,000 for the offence under Local Rule 177A. (Charge 1)
2. A fine of $200 for each count under AR178F making the total fine to be $400. (Charge 2)
3. That all fines are to be paid in full (Total $4,400)
In determining penalty Stewards took into account:
• Mr Warwick’s co-operation and forthright manner throughout, including his pleas of guilt to all charges
• His record during his extensive involvement in the industry over a long period of time which indicated only one prior offence in relation to prohibited substances (TCO2) in the harness code in 2000.
• That the level detected was not high or the result of a race (trial) day administration
• That the circumstances and reasons for the administration of the substance were known and related to hoof issues following farrier work.
• The need for deterrence both general and specific in view of the potential welfare risks that arise when such substances are present during official trials.
• Previous penalties issued in similar circumstances, the majority of which were fines.