Stewards Inquiry Arsenic Detection’s
Stewards have now completed the following inquiries arising from reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth where arsenic in excess of the threshold of 0.3ug/mL in urine had been detected in the following samples.
- KASEY JOHN taken at Gloucester Park (Harness), Race 1 on 29 June, 2018 trained by Mr Michael Brennan
- RED TAIL taken at Bunbury (Harness), Race 2 on 16 June, 2018 trained by Mr Hayden Reeves
- DIPLOMAT EXPRESS taken at Belmont (Thoroughbreds), Race 7 on 20 June, 2018 trained by Mr Dennis Barker
- IMPERIAL VENUS taken at Belmont (Thoroughbreds), Race 4 on 28 July, 2018 trained by Mr Gavin Foster
- LIGHTNING COLT taken at Pinjarra (Harness), Race 2 on 6 August, 2018 trained by Mr Craig Abercromby
- MIDNIGHT BANQUET taken at Pinjarra (Thoroughbreds) Race 5 on 23 August, 2018 trained by Mr Owen Cocking
The trainers involved in the above matters have acknowledged or accepted that, by virtue of the absolute and strict liability provisions of the rules, with respect to the presentation of horses free of prohibited substances that an offence of the relevant rules has occurred.
A panel of Stewards considering these matters unanimously determined that based on evidence available at this time, it would appear the presence of the arsenic beyond the threshold as reported had most likely arisen from environmental factors (i.e. the ingestion of CCA treated timbers located on the property). In this respect it was noted inter alia that;
- No metabolites of sodium arsanilate, which would suggest administration with an organic form of arsenic (e.g. Jurocyl), were detected in any of the samples
- All samples returned levels which were consistent with studies conducted with respect to the ingestion of CCA treated timbers
Accordingly in view of the evidence in the matter the Stewards have determined to impose no penalty for the breach of the rules relating to presentation. The horses in question are to be disqualified from the races in question in accordance with the rules. As a result of such disqualification from the race, commensurate consequences for stake money are to apply.
These decisions, although consistent with recently decided similar cases, should not be taken to be precedent for all future cases.
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.