Harness – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Gary Elson – ARTURUS NZ & SCOOBYS DELIGHT
23 March, 2018
Harness
Harness – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Gary Elson – ARTURUS NZ & SCOOBYS DELIGHT
On Tuesday 20 March 2018, RWWA Stewards commenced an inquiry into reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth that urine samples taken from:
• ARTURUS NZ at Gloucester Park on 3 November 2017 prior to it competing in Race 9 and finishing 4th and;
• SCOOBY’S DELIGHT at Gloucester Park on 4 August 2017 after it had competed and won Race 3
were found to have a level of cobalt at a concentration in excess of the 100 micrograms per litre in urine prescribed threshold provided in Harness Rule of Racing 188A(2)(k).
Evidence was heard from Trainer Mr G. Elson, Owner and person in charge of ARTURUS NZ when it was presented at Gloucester Park Miss K. Elson, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr. J Medd, Chem Centre Analyst Ms K Wilson and RWWA Senior Investigator Mr G. Johnson.
After considering the evidence before the panel at this time, the Stewards have issued the following charges.
Charge 1
Rule 190 with the particulars of the charge being that Mr Elson, as the trainer, presented ARTURUS NZ to race at Gloucester Park on 3 November 2017, where it competed and finished 4th, not free of the prohibited substance cobalt, evidenced by a concentration of cobalt at a level in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.
Charge 2
Rule 190 with the particulars of the charge being that Mr Elson, as the trainer presented SCOOBYS DELIGHT to race at Gloucester Park on 4 August 2017 where it competed and won, not free of the prohibited substance cobalt, evidenced by a concentration of cobalt at a level in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.
Further Miss K Elson has been advised that Stewards are reserving their position with respect to whether any charges might apply in relation to her by virtue of the Harness Trainer’s Authority lodged when ARTURUS NZ was presented and Rule 190 (3) until further evidence is heard and responses to the charges laid against Mr Elson are received.
At the request of counsel for Mr Elson, as there were some matters pending in other jurisdictions that may have some relevance to this matter, the inquiry has been adjourned until those matters are concluded.
The previous suspension of Mr Elson’s licence pending the outcome of this inquiry remains.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au