Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Robin Zec (OUR SEQUEL)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards have concluded the inquiry into the report received from the Chem Centre in Perth that Dexamethasone has been detected in the sample taken from OUR SEQUEL following it competing in and winning Race 7 at Gloucester Park on 15 June 2021.
At the inquiry conducted on 26 August 2021, evidence was heard from trainer Mr Robin Zec, Chem Centre Analyst Ms B Dorakumbura, RASL Laboratory Director Mr D Batty, RWWA Senior Investigator Mr G Johnson and RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr C McMullen.
The inquiry was adjourned at the request of Mr Zec to afford him the opportunity to seek advice on the material presented to that stage of proceedings.
At the resumption of the inquiry on 10 September 2021, Mr Zec pleaded guilty to a charge issued under Harness Rule of Racing 190 with the particulars being:
That Mr R Zec as the trainer presented OUR SEQUEL to race in Race 7 at Gloucester Park on 15 June 2021, where it raced and finished first, not free of the prohibited substance Dexamethasone.
Following submissions on penalty the stewards determined to impose a suspension of his licences with RWWA for a period of six months effective immediately.
In addition, pursuant to HRR195 OUR SEQUEL was disqualified from the race in question with the placings amended accordingly with relevant implications to stake money to apply.
In determining penalty stewards took into account several factors including:
- Mr Zec’s personal circumstances and level of involvement within the industry which was at the hobby level.
- His plea of guilty and his unblemished record over many years of involvement.
- His submission that in view of his personal circumstances he preferred a penalty other than a fine.
- That there was no explanation or evidence that served to establish the reason for the detection of Dexamethasone.
- Previous penalties imposed in relation to this substance and the need for deterrence both general and specific.
- That the detection of such substances in horses that have competed in and won races was a serious matter as it had potential to tarnish the confidence in racing being conducted on a level playing field.