Harness stewards’ inquiry – trainer Tonia Stampalia
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards have concluded the inquiry into the report received from the ChemCentre in Perth that dexamethasone had been detected in the post-race urine sample, taken from Jaxon Morgan after it had won race six at Gloucester Park on 7 June 2022.
After hearing evidence from Ms Stampalia, ChemCentre Analyst Dr B. Dorakumbura, RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian Dr C. McMullen and RWWA Investigator Ms F. Bennett, Ms Stampalia pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Charge One – Rule 190 (1), (2) (4)
Particulars:
“That you Ms Tonia Stampalia, as the trainer presented the three-year-old colt Jaxon Morgan to race at Gloucester Park on 7 June 2022 where that colt raced and won not free of the prohibited substance dexamethasone.”
Charge Two – Rule 190B (1)(b)
”That you Ms Tonia Stampalia, as the trainer failed to record all details of treatment administered to Jaxon Morgan, specifically in relation to the nebulising of that colt with dexamethasone.”
In considering penalty stewards considered the following.
• The seriousness of the charges and Ms Stampalia’s pleas of guilty.
• Ms Stampalia’s good record in relation to prohibited substances.
• The nature of the prohibited substance in that dexamethasone is classified as a therapeutic substance.
• The circumstances of this matter in that Jaxon Morgan was being treated for allergies.
• Precedence in relation to the detection of these type of substances and in relation to breaches under HR 190B (1)(b).
• Penalties are needed to reflect a deterrent factor – both general and specific.
Considering all matters the stewards determined the following penalties to be appropriate:
Charge one – a fine of $5000.
Charge two – a fine of $300.
Further, acting under the provisions of HR 195, Jaxon Morgan was disqualified as the winner of race six at Gloucester Park on Tuesday 7 June 2022 and the stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly, with commensurate implication for stake money.