Stewards’ Inquiry – Thoroughbreds
13 February, 2009
Thoroughbred
RWWA Stewards today inquired into a report from the Racing Chemistry Laboratory in Perth, that the pre-race blood sample taken from the four year old mare FLYTHAIGA prior to it competing and finishing in 5th place in Race 8 the Preened Handicap (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday, 31 January 2009, had a level of total carbon dioxide (TCO2) in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.
This finding has been verified by the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory in Victoria.
Trainer Mr Greg Harper, who was present at the inquiry, requested through his representative an adjournment. Medical documentation was produced advising that Mr Harper was not in a fit state of health to attend a Stewards inquiry.
After due consideration the Stewards granted Mr Harper an indefinite adjournment until such time as he is medically cleared by his Doctors.
Further, given the serious nature of this inquiry and Mr Harper’s present state of health the Stewards acting under the provisions of Local Rule 10 suspended his Trainer’s Licence forthwith. The terms of the suspension being that, no horse in the care and supervision of Mr Harper will be permitted to start in a race or trial until the completion of the inquiry.
Acting under the provisions of Local Harness Rule 298 subsection (3), the suspension also applies to Mr Harper’s Harness Licence.
JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777