Harness stewards’ inquiry – trainer Cody Wallrodt (Lombo Ishak)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards conducted an inquiry on 13 March 2024 into reports received from ChemCentre in Perth and the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (NSW) that the sample taken from Lombo Ishak following it competing in Official Trial number 3 at Pinjarra on 1 November 2023 was found to contain the prohibited substance flunixin.
At the inquiry evidence was heard from:
- Chem Centre representative – Dr N Beckett
- RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian – Dr C McMullen
- RWWA Senior Investigative Steward – Mr P Criddle
- Licensed Trainer – Mr Cody Wallrodt
Mr Wallrodt subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge issued under Harness Rule of Racing (HRR) 190 (1) (2) with the particulars being that he was the trainer of Lombo Ishak when it was presented and competed in Official Trial Number 3 at Pinjarra on 1 November 2023 where it finished third not free of the prohibited substance Flunixin.
After adjourning to consider submissions on penalty, stewards determined on 18 March 2024 to impose a fine of $3000 for this offence.
In addition, acting under HRR 195, stewards determined to disqualify Lombo Ishak from the trial in question.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
- Mr Wallrodt’s guilt plea, and that this was his first breach in relation to prohibited substances.
- The nature of the substance detected which was a prescription animal remedy commonly used therapeutically as an anti-inflammatory.
- The intent and purpose of the Rule, which was directed to ensuring the welfare of the horses and drivers and maintaining the necessary confidence of those involved in the racing industry.
- Previous penalties issued with respect to the detections of flunixin and other similar anti-inflammatories in horses competing in Official Trials.
- That the treatment administered, due to swelling of a knee which had been knocked in track work, was not in relation to a musculo-skeletal injury or some unknown cause of lameness where the presence of this substance in a horse competing in an Official Trial would have elevated the level of seriousness.