Harness – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr. Corey Rogers (PARAMEDIC)
At a Stewards inquiry conducted on Tuesday 16 April 2019, Harness trainer Mr Corey Rogers pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Rule of Racing (HRR) 190 for presenting PARAMEDIC to race in race 3 at Bunbury on 19 January 2019 where it raced and finished fourth, not free of the prohibited substance Heptaminol.
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 Chem Centre representative Ms E. Cook, RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr. P Criddle, Veterinarian Dr. P Symons and Mr Rogers.
After adjourning the inquiry to consider the matter of penalty, Stewards determined to impose a fine of $4,000.
Mr Rogers was also issued a reprimand with respect to failing to record a treatment within his log book as required by Rule 190B. His log book otherwise met the requirements of the rule.
Acting under HRR 195, PARAMEDIC was also disqualified from the race in question with placings and stakemonies to be amended accordingly.
In determining penalty Steward took into account several factors including:
- Mr Rogers co-operation professional conduct and forthright manner as reflected by his plea of guilt.
- His previous good record during the short time he had been licensed as a trainer, his 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) 2-days prior to racing was his standard practice and was consistent with the levels detected. Such administration having been done without first obtaining proper veterinary advice with respect to withdrawal times.
- That his use of Dynajec as part of his training regime in absence of proper veterinary advice was reckless and negligent.
- Previous similar cases where fines had also been issued and confirmed on appeal.