Harness Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Daryl Miller
RWWA Stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into a report received from the ChemCentre in Perth, advising that arsenic in excess of the threshold value of 0.30 micrograms per millilitre in urine, was detected in the urine sample taken from GATEWAY EXPRESS, after it competed in and won Race 7 at Bridgetown on 3 February 2019.
Evidence was heard from Trainer Mr Daryl Miller, RWWA Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd, Senior Investigator Mr Geoff Johnson and ChemCentre Analyst Ms Kelly Wilson.
Mr Miller pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Racing Rule 190 (1) in that he, being the trainer, presented GATEWAY EXPRESS to compete in race 7 at Bridgetown on 3 February 2019, where it raced and finished first with the prohibited substance arsenic present within the horse, evidenced by a concentration of arsenic in excess of 0.30 micrograms per millilitre in urine.
After thorough consideration of the evidence presented, Stewards unanimously determined that the presence of arsenic, above the threshold, had more than likely arisen due to the ingestion of wooden poles in the yards at the property as evidenced during an inspection by RWWA officials.
Further analytical evidence also assisted in such finding in that no metabolites of sodium arsanilate, which would suggest an administration with an organic form of arsenic (e.g. Jurocyl) were detected in the sample. Further, the reported level of arsenic was consistent with studies conducted with respect to the ingestion of CCA treated timber. In addition, Mr Miller had also taken some steps to prevent horses from having access to the CCA treated timbers.
Accordingly, in view of the evidence and previous similar matters, the Stewards have determined not to impose a penalty on this occasion. Pursuant to HRR 195, GATEWAY EXPRESS was disqualified from winning Race 7 at Bridgetown on 3 February 2019 and placings amended accordingly. Mr Miller was directed to return the stakes money to RWWA to be distributed in accordance with the rules.
In addition, Mr Miller pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Local Rule 194A (1), for being in possession of an unregistered medication and was subsequently fined $300.00.
As previously advised, trainers must take adequate measures to prevent horses from having access to CCA treated pine timber products or any other product that could present a similar risk of an elevated level.
Trainers should be aware that every case will be determined on its own set of circumstances and may result in harsher penalties being imposed in the future, even where the ingestion of CCA treated timbers is determined to be the likely source of the elevated arsenic levels