Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Daniel Morton – SPURRED IN FLIGHT
15 September, 2015
Thoroughbred
RWWA Stewards yesterday commenced the inquiry into the non-presentation of SPURRED IN FLIGHT for the collection of samples at Belmont trials on 23 June 2015 and the reports of the laboratories from samples taken subsequently at the Ascot Race course sample collection facility
The ChemCentre in Perth had reported that 2-(1-hydroxyethy) promazine sulfoxide (metabolite of acepromazine) had been detected in a urine sample subsequently taken from SPURRED IN FLIGHT. This finding has been verified by the Racing Analytical Services Limited laboratory (RASL) in Victoria.
Evidence was taken from the Trainer of SPURRED IN FLIGHT, Mr Daniel Morton and;
- RWWA Cadet Steward Mr Greg Lawrence
- RWWA Principal Investigator Mr Phil O’Reilly
- RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr. Judith Medd
- Chem Centre Analyst Mr James White
- Employees of Mr Daniel Morton including, Ms Jenna Saarikangas, Ms Marie Keegan and Mr Vince Collica
- Veterinarian Dr. John Williams (called by Mr. Morton)
After considering the evidence the Stewards determined to issue the following charges;
Charge 1 under AR177A with the particulars being that Mr Morton as the trainer brought SPURRED IN FLIGHT to Belmont Trials on 23 June 2015 to compete in Trial 5, for the purpose of obtaining a permit to start as a result of an embargo on the horse, and a urine sample taken from the filly detected the presence of the prohibited substance 2-(1-hydroxyethyl) promazine sulfoxide.
Charge 2 under AR175(p) with the particulars being that at Belmont Trials on 23 June 2015, Mr Morton did fail to present SPURRED IN FLIGHT to the swab officials, for the purpose of taking a sample from the filly for the purpose of testing to determine whether any prohibited substance was present in the system of the horse, as directed by Cadet Steward Mr Greg Lawrence.
As extensive evidence was heard over the course of almost five (5) hours, the inquiry was subsequently adjourned at the request of Mr Morton in order to provide him with the charges in writing in order that he may consider the matter before responding.
The inquiry is to resume on a date to be determined.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au