Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Daniel Morton – SPURRED IN FLIGHT
28 October, 2015
Thoroughbred
RWWA Stewards yesterday resumed 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 taken from SPURRED IN FLIGHT. This finding has been verified by the Racing Analytical Services Limited laboratory (RASL) in Victoria.
At the inquiry Mr Morton, who was represented by legal counsel, pleaded not guilty to the charge issued 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 (metabolite of acepromazine).
Mr Morton pleaded guilty to the charge issued 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.
Stewards proceeded to hear submissions in support of his plea of not guilty to the first charge, which included further evidence from:
- RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr. Judith Medd
- Chem Centre Analyst Mr James White
- Aaron Morton (B Sc. (Hons – Analytical Chemistry) called on behalf of Mr Morton
The inquiry was then adjourned to a date to be determined whilst Stewards consider all of the evidence in relation to the first charge.