Harness Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Bevan Stokes
At a Stewards inquiry conducted on Monday 27 May 2019, Harness trainer Mr Bevan Stokes pleaded guilty to the following:
Charge 1.
Under HRR190 – as the trainer, presented QUINCEY BROGDEN to race in race 5 at Northam on 2 March 2019, where it raced and finished first, not free of the prohibited substance Heptaminol.
Charge 2.
Under HRR190B(1)(b) – that he did fail to comply with the provisions of Rule 190B(1)(b) in that he failed to record the 10ml treatment with Dynajec to QUINCEY BROGDEN three (3) days prior.
The presence of the substance having been detected by the ChemCentre in Perth and confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Ltd (Vic).
Evidence was heard from ChemCentre representative Ms K Wilson, RWWA Senior Investigator Mr G Johnson, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr J Medd and Mr B Stokes.
After adjourning the inquiry to consider the matter of penalty, Stewards determined to impose a fine of $4,000 in relation to Charge 1 and a fine of $300 in relation to Charge 2.
In view of his co-operation throughout the inquiry as evidenced by his forthright submissions, immediate plea of guilt and principles of totality, the Stewards directed that the $300 fine imposed with respect to Charge 2 be suspended in full for period of 12 months on the condition that Mr Stokes does not again offend against Rule 190B.
Acting under HRR 195, QUINCEY BROGDEN was disqualified from the race in question with placings and stake monies to be amended accordingly.
In determining penalty Steward took into account several factors including:
- Mr Stokes co-operation and forthright manner as reflected by his plea of guilt
- His previous good record, level of involvement and his personal circumstances
- The nature of the substance Heptaminol which at the reported levels was consistent with a therapeutic administration as opposed to being at a level that could be classified as potentially having a stimulatory effect
- That his admission of administration of Dynajec (which contains Heptaminol) 3-days prior to racing was consistent with the levels detected. Such administration having been done without first obtaining proper veterinary advice with respect to withdrawal times
- Previous similar cases where fines had also been issued and confirmed on appeal