Harness Stewards Inquiry Trainer Matthew Henwood (BARON JUJON)
RWWA Stewards commenced an inquiry on 11 April 2019 into reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth, that cocaine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester had been detected in samples taken from BARON JUJON, (Trained by Mr M. Henwood) after competing in the following races:
- Race 3 – Narrogin 22 January, 2019
- Race 4 – Northam 16 February, 2019
The results of analysis having been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) VIC with all licences held by Mr Henwood suspended effective 21 March, 2019 upon notification of the results of analysis.
The inquiry was continued on 15 May, 2019 where further evidence was heard from various persons, including those involved in the sampling of the horse at Narrogin and Northam and the analysts from both laboratories ChemCentre and RASL.
At the resumed Stewards inquiry on Monday 17 June 2019, Trainer Mr M Henwood pleaded not guilty to the following charges that were issued to him in writing on 27 May 2019.
After hearing submissions in support of his plea the matter was adjourned in order for Stewards to consider the evidence and determine the charges.
The suspension of Mr Henwood’s licences remains in effect pending outcome of this matter.
Charges
Charge 1 – Harness Rule of Racing 190 (2)
Particulars
The particulars of the charge are that Mr M Henwood as the trainer presented BARON JUJON to race in Race 3 at Narrogin on 22 January 2019 where it raced and finished first with the prohibited substances cocaine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester present within the horse.
Charge 2 – Harness Rule of Racing 190 (2)
Particulars
The particulars of the charge are that Mr M Henwood as the trainer presented BARON JUJON to race in Race 4 at Northam on 16 February 2019 where it raced and finished unplaced with the prohibited substances cocaine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester present within the horse.
Charge 3 – Harness Rule of Racing 231 (1) (e)
Particulars
The particulars of the charge are that on 22 March 2019 when Stewards attended his premises for the purposes of conducting an investigation in relation to the report of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester being detected in samples taken from BARON JUJON, he did assault RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr J Medd in the paddock in which horses were located as she was attempting to identify them, by deliberately making physical contact to her chest region.
Charge 4 – Harness Rule of Racing 238
Particulars
The particulars of the charge are that on 22 March 2019 when Stewards attended his premises for the purposes of conducting an investigation in relation to the report of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester being detected in samples taken from BARON JUJON he did fail to comply with the requirement of the Stewards to conduct a comprehensive search and inspection of his premises, as notified to him by them verbally and in writing at the time, by repeatedly directing them to leave, with them unable, as a result of his response, to conduct such search and inspection.
Charge 5 – Harness Rule of Racing 231 (2)
Particulars
The particulars of the charge are that on 22 March 2019 when Stewards attended his premises for the purposes of conducting an investigation in relation to the report of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester being detected in samples taken from BARON JUJON, upon being advised of the Stewards intention to conduct a search and inspection of the premises whilst participating in a video record of interview, he did misconduct himself by proceeding to behave in a loud and aggressive manner towards RWWA officials present at that time, which was conduct that was not of a manner reasonably expected of licensed persons towards officials.