Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr. Lang Inwood (JUST A HORSE)
RWWA Stewards have now completed deliberations with respect to penalty in relation to the following charges which Trainer Mr. L Inwood pleaded guilty to at an inquiry conducted on 26 March 2020.
Charge 1 – RWWA Harness Rule of Racing 193 – Stomach tubing, atomisers and other devices.
The particulars of the charge being that on Tuesday 17th March 2020, Mr Inwood at his registered training premises did stomach tube the pacer JUST A HORSE, which was nominated to compete in Race 5 at Gloucester Park that evening.
Penalty: 12-months disqualification.
Charge 2 – RWWA Harness Rule of Racing 196C – Administering Substances
The particulars of the charge being that on Tuesday 17th March 2020, Mr Inwood did at his registered training premises administer the alkalinising agent “Neutralizer” (sodium citrate) by way of stomach tube to the pacer JUST A HORSE on the same day it was scheduled to race at Gloucester Park in Race 5, and accordingly did administer an alkalinising agent contrary to sub-rule (1) of HR196C.
Penalty: 12-months disqualification.
Taking into account factors in mitigation and principles of totality, the Stewards directed that the penalties be served concurrently and made effective 17 March 2020 which was the date Mr Inwood’s licences were suspended pending outcome of inquiry.
In determining penalty, Stewards took into account a number of factors including:
- The plea of guilty to both charges.
- Mr Inwood’s good record over many years of licensed participation and his personal circumstances.
- That the rules which had been breached are important and serious rules that are directed towards ensuring a level playing field.
- Previous penalties issued for similar offences in racing.
- The need for the penalty to carry a level of deterrence and a clear message that such offences are unacceptable.