Harness Stewards Inquiry Trainer Mr Shane Quadrio
RWWA Stewards today concluded an inquiry into a report received from the ChemCentre in Perth, advising that arsenic in excess of the threshold value of 0.30 micrograms per millilitre in urine, was detected in the urine sample taken from WARRIORS CODE after it competed in and finished fourth in Race 6 at Gloucester Park on 26 March, 2019.
Evidence was heard from Trainer Mr Shane Quadrio, RWWA Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd, Senior Investigator Mr Geoff Johnson and ChemCentre Analyst Ms Elise Cook.
Mr Quadrio pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Racing Rule 190 (1) in that he, being the trainer, presented WARRIORS CODE to compete in race 6 at Gloucester Park on 26 March 2019, where it raced and finished fourth 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.
After thorough consideration of all the evidence presented, Stewards unanimously determined that the presence of arsenic, above the threshold, had more than likely arisen due to the ingestion of CCA treated 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. Further, the reported level of arsenic was consistent with studies conducted with respect to the ingestion of CCA treated timber.
On the evidence presented, Mr Quadrio demonstrated that he had adopted certain measures to prevent horses under his control from having access to the CCA treated timbers. In addition, following notification of this irregularity and prior to this inquiry, Mr Quadrio had taken upon himself to withdraw WARRIORS CODE from its engagement to eliminate any further risks of the horse racing with an elevated level of arsenic.
Accordingly, in view of the evidence presented and previous similar matters, the Stewards have determined not to impose a penalty on this occasion. Pursuant to HRR 195, WARRIORS CODE was disqualified from running fourth in race 6 at Gloucester Park on 26 March 2019 and placings amended accordingly. Mr Quadrio was directed to return the stakes money to RWWA to be distributed in accordance with the rules.
As previously advised, trainers must take adequate measures to prevent horses from having access to CCA treated pine timber products or any other product that could present a similar risk of an elevated level.
Trainers should be aware that every case will be determined on its own set of circumstances and may result in harsher penalties being imposed in the future, even where the ingestion of CCA treated timbers is determined to be the likely source of the elevated arsenic levels.