Harness stewards’ inquiry – Trainer Bradley Lynn (RIP JACKSON)

RWWA stewards have concluded the inquiry into the report received from the ChemCentre in Perth that phenylbutazone was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from RIP JACKSON after it won race four at Pinjarra on 4 October 2021.

After hearing evidence from trainer Mr Brad Lynn, ChemCentre Analyst Dr N Beckett, RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian Dr C McMullen and RWWA Senior Investigator Mr Criddle, Mr Lynn pleaded guilty to the following charge:

Rule 190 (1), (2) (4) Presentation Free of Prohibited Substances

Particulars:

That Mr Brad Lynn as the trainer presented RIP JACKSON to race at Pinjarra on 4 October 2021 where it raced and won not free of the prohibited substance phenylbutazone.

In considering penalty, stewards took into account the following.

• The seriousness of the charge.
• Mr Lynn’s personal circumstances and level of involvement within the industry.
• Mr Lynn’s plea of guilty and record in relation to prohibited substances, which shows this is the first breach regarding the detection of prohibited substances.
• The nature of the prohibited substance being classed as an anti-inflammatory/therapeutic.
• The circumstances of this matter in that RIP JACKSON, presented as a fit pacer and was not receiving any treatment but had inadvertently received the prohibited substance in a stable mistake.
• Precedents in relation to the detection of these type of substances.
• That the detection of such substances in horses that have competed in, and won races, was a serious matter as it had potential to tarnish the confidence in racing being conducted on a level playing field.

Taking into account all matters, the stewards determined the appropriate penalty was a fine of $5000.

Further, acting under the provisions of HR 195, RIP JACKSON was disqualified as the winner of race four at Pinjarra on 4 October 2021 and placings adjusted accordingly.