Harness Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Tony Svilicich (TALKERUP)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards on Friday 12 March 2021 conducted an inquiry into a report from the ChemCentre in Perth, that Dexamethasone had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from TALKERUP after competing in and winning Race 3 at Gloucester Park on Friday 20 November 2020. This finding having been verified by the Racing Science Centre in Queensland.
Evidence was taken from the trainer of TALKERUP Mr Tony Svilicich, RWWA Senior Investigator Mr Geoff Johnson, RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Caroline McMullen and Ms Buddhika Dorakumbura, ChemCentre Analyst.
During the inquiry, Mr Svilicich pleaded guilty to a charge under HRR190(1) in that he, as the trainer, presented TALKERUP to race in race 3 at Gloucester Park on Friday 20 November 2020, where it raced and finished first, not free of the prohibited substance Dexamethasone.
After deliberating on the question of penalty, Stewards imposed a fine of $5,000.
When considering penalty, the Stewards took into account as appropriate:
- The importance of animals being presented for races free of prohibited substances in order to maintain a level playing field.
- Mr Svilicich’s personal circumstances, including his many years of involvement in harness racing with this being his first offence under the provisions of Rule HRR190(1).
- The acknowledgement of the offence as evidenced by his plea of guilt.
- Previous cases involving the presence of Dexamethasone in a horse in a race.
- The nature of the substance detected, that being of a therapeutic nature.
- The need for deterrence both general and specific.
Acting under HRR195, TALKERUP has been disqualified from winning race 3 at Gloucester Park on 20 November 2020 and the Stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly, with the commensurate implications for stakemoney.