Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Christopher Feast (MOTOR ON JESSIE)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards have concluded the inquiry into the report received from the ChemCentre in Perth that dexamethasone had been detected in the pre-trial blood sample, taken from MOTOR ON JESSIE at Byford Trials on 8 August 2021.
After hearing evidence from trainer Mr C Feast, RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian Dr C McMullen and RWWA Senior Investigator Mr G Johnson, Mr Feast pleaded guilty to the following charge:
Rule 196A (1) (ii) Administering substances
Particulars:
“That you Mr Christopher Feast, a licensed Harness Trainer, did administer dexapent to MOTOR ON JESSIE on Thursday 5th August 2021, which was subsequently detected in a pre-race blood sample taken from MOTOR ON JESSIE prior to it trialling at Byford on Sunday 8 August 2021”.
In considering penalty, Stewards took into account the following.
- The seriousness of the charge in relation to Rule 196
- Mr Feast’s plea of guilty and excellent record in relation to prohibited substances
- The prohibited substance dexamethasone is classed as an anti-inflammatory/therapeutic
- The circumstances of this matter in that MOTOR ON JESSIE has a skin complaint and Mr Feast had consulted his veterinarian who recommended the use of dexamethasone but had not applied the recommended withdrawal time
- Precedence in relation to the detection of these type of substances in trials
Taking into account all matters, the Stewards determined the appropriate penalty was a fine of $3000.
Further, acting under the provisions of HR 195, MOTOR ON JESSIE was disqualified from second place in Trial 6 at Byford on Sunday 8 August 2021.