Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Aiden Decampo (SECRET REACTION)
On Thursday, 5 August 2021 Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards conducted an inquiry in relation to reports received from the Chem Centre in Perth, concerning the detection of elevated levels of testosterone in race day samples collected from SECRET REACTION when it raced in Race 3 at Williams on 14 March 2021 and in Race 4 at Bridgetown on 21 March 2021.
At the reported elevated levels, subsequently confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, the presence of testosterone constituted the detection of a prohibited substance as set out by the RWWA Rules of Harness Racing.
At the inquiry evidence was heard from trainer Mr Aiden Decampo, Mr M Howie on behalf of the owners, Chem Centre Analyst Ms E Cook, RWWA Investigator Mr P Criddle and RWWA Manager Veterinary Services Dr Judith Medd.
The evidence before the panel included extensive documentary evidence resulting from various tests conducted upon the filly by both Mr Decampo and his veterinary advisors and RWWA Investigators.
Having considered that evidence, which included;
- Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test results where serial test results were found to be elevated well above the normal range for a filly, and within the range seen as a result of the presence of a granulosa cell ovarian tumour
- Histopathology reports and veterinary examination and surgery reports provided by Mr Decampo’s veterinarians (including a video showing the surgical removal of the granulosa cell ovarian tumour)
- The additional AMH blood test results collected by RWWA which also were consistent with the presence of a granulosa cell ovarian tumour
- The opinions of both Mr Decampo’s veterinarians and that of RWWA Manager Veterinary Services Dr J Medd that the most likely explanation for the elevated levels of testosterone was the presence of the granulosa cell ovarian tumour.
The panel were satisfied that the elevated levels of testosterone detected in the samples in question was the result of the presence of the granulosa cell ovarian tumour found in the filly’s right ovary.
In summary, the presence of the granulosa cell tumour was made unequivocal upon the surgery being conducted and it being removed. All other evidence had indicated its presence.
Consistent with the expert veterinary opinions, the elevated levels of testosterone in the two samples in question was therefore found by the Stewards to be consistent with the presence of the tumour.
Accordingly, the Stewards determined not to apply any charges against Mr Decampo as the trainer in the circumstances of this matter.
Pursuant to Harness Rules of Racing 195 and 190AA(4), following deliberation, Stewards determined to disqualify SECRET REACTION from the races in question with placing to be amended accordingly with relevant implications for stake money to apply.
Further, in accordance with HRR190AA(4), SECRET REACTION is not permitted to start in any race or be used for the purposes of breeding for a minimum period of 12 months as of 21 March 2021 and only after an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Clearing Certificate is provided in respect of a sample taken from the filly at a date to be determined by the Stewards.
Copy of the Rules of Harness Racing
HRR195. Disqualification
A horse which has been presented for a race shall be disqualified from it if blood, urine, saliva, or other matter or sample or specimen taken from the horse is found to contain a prohibited substance.
190AA. Anabolic Steroids
(4) When a sample taken at any time from a horse has detected in it an anabolic androgenic steroid the horse is not permitted to start in any race or be used for the purposes of breeding:
(a) for a minimum period of 12 months from the date of the collection of the sample in which an anabolic androgenic steroid was detected; and
(b) only after an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Clearing Certificate is provided in respect of a sample taken from the horse, such sample having been taken at a date determined by the Stewards.