Harness Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Peter Anderson – Just Like Art
Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) Stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into a report received from the ChemCentre in Perth, that arsenic in excess of the threshold value being 0.30 micrograms per millilitre in urine, was detected in the urine sample taken from JUST LIKE ART after it competed in and won Race 2 at Northam on 7 July 2018.
Evidence was heard from Trainer Mr Peter Anderson, RWWA Veterinarian Dr. Judith Medd, Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle and ChemCentre Analyst Ms Kelly Wilson.
Mr Anderson pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Racing Rule 190 (1) in that he, being the trainer, brought JUST LIKE ART, to compete in race 2 at Northam on 7 July 2018 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.
In light of the evidence presented, Stewards unanimously determined that:
- the presence of arsenic, above the threshold, had 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;
- the reported level of arsenic was consistent with studies conducted with respect to the ingestion of CCA treated timber; and
- that Mr Anderson had made some attempts to restrict horses from being able to chew possible 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, JUST LIKE ART was disqualified from winning Race 2 at Northam on 7 July 2018 and placings amended accordingly. Stake monies are to be returned and distributed in accordance with the rules.
As per notices issued by RWWA, trainers must take suitable steps to ensure they prevent access of racehorses in their care to CCA treated pine timber products or any other product that may present a similar risk of an elevated arsenic level.
Trainer’s should be aware that every case will be determined on its own specific merits and may result in penalties being imposed in the future, even where the ingestion of CCA treated timber product is determined to be the likely source of the arsenic leading to a breach of the rules of racing.