Harness Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Nathan Dymock
On Wednesday 29 May 2019, RWWA Stewards conducted an inquiry in relation to the report received from the ChemCentre in Perth, that the pre-race blood sample taken from JUST A LEGEND prior to it competing in Race 3 at Gloucester Park on 7 May 2019, had been found to have a level of total carbon dioxide content (TCO2) in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.
Evidence was heard from RWWA Investigator Mr P Criddle, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr J Medd, ChemCentre Analyst Ms E Cook, Trainer Mr N Dymock and Managing Owner Mr T Dymock.
Mr N Dymock pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Charge under HRR190 (1), (2) Presentation free of prohibited substances, with the particulars of the charge being that “Mr N Dymock as the trainer, presented JUST A LEGEND to race in Race 3 at Gloucester Park on 7 May 2019, not free of the prohibited substance alkalinising agents, as evidenced by a concentration of TCO2 in excess of 36.0mm/L in plasma.
- Charge under HRR 196C (2)(a) Administering Substance, with the particulars of the charge being that Mr N Dymock did administer the alkalinising agent sodium bicarbonate to CELESTIAL RULER, which was engaged to race in Race 1 at Gloucester Park on 7 May 2019 within one clear day of the commencement of the race contrary to the provisions of Rule 196C.
Stewards, having reserved their decision with respect to penalty on the day of inquiry and suspending his licences pending determination of penalty, advised Mr Dymock today that a disqualification of 6-months was being imposed effective as of 29 May 2019 with respect to the offence under HR190 and a fine of $2,000 for the offence under 196C.
Both JUST A LEGEND and CELESTRIAL RULER were also disqualified from the races in question with placings amended accordingly with commensurate implications for stake money to apply.
In determining penalty Stewards took into account, amongst other things:
- The length and extent of Mr Dymocks involvement in harness racing, prior good record and co-operation as reflected by his immediate pleas of guilt.
- The high level of TCO2 reported by both the ChemCentre (38.47mm/L) and RASL (>39.0mm/L).
- The serious nature of these offences, penalties issued in previous cases and the need for deterrence both general and specific.