Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Ben Owen – RHINO’S LAD
28 January, 2016
Thoroughbred
Following investigations and analysis of samples, thoroughbred trainer Mr Ben Owen today attended an inquiry into an allegation that he had administered, or attempted to administer a substance to RHINO’S LAD prior to it starting in Race 6 at Pinjarra on 13 December 2015 and the discovery of a bottle purporting to be NITROLINGUAL SPRAY upon his person in the Stewards room when interviewed subsequent to RHINO’S LAD competing in and winning.
The sample found on his person was conveyed to the Chem Centre in Perth who have indicated it to be consistent with being NITROLINGUAL SPRAY containing the prohibited substance glyceryl trinitrate.
The Chem Centre has also reported that the analysis of the sample taken from RHINO’s LAD post-race was not found to contain any prohibited substances.
Given the nature of the matter, the Stewards directed on 14 December 2015 that the prizemoney won by RHINO’S LAD in Race 6 at Pinjarra on 13 December 2015 be withheld pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Further to the above, in view of the seriousness nature of the allegation and the discovery in the Stewards room at Pinjarra after the race in question when interviewed of the NITROLINGUAL SPRAY on his person, the Stewards directed, pursuant to LR10 that Mr Owen’s licences with RWWA be suspended forthwith pending the outcome of the Stewards inquiry.
Evidence was heard today from trainer Mr Ben Owen (represented by legal counsel), Cadet Steward Mr Ryan Butler, Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle, Chem Centre representative Mr Charles Russo, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr. Judith Medd and part owner of RHINO’S LAD Mr B. Faulkner. Evidence was also heard from a witness who was present at Pinjarra on the day.
After considering the evidence heard to this stage of the Inquiry the Stewards issued the following charges:
- AR178A with the particulars being that at Pinjarra on 13 December 2015, Mr Owen did have in his possession the prohibited substance NITROLINGUAL SPRAY without first obtaining written permission from the Stewards as contemplated by that rule
- AR175 (h)(i) with the particulars of the charge being that at Pinjarra on 13 December 2015, shortly before Race 6, Mr Owen did administer within the wash bay area the prohibited substance NITROLINGUAL SPRAY to RHINO’S LAD for the purpose of affecting its performance in that race.
Mr Owen pleaded guilty to charge 1 and not guilty to charge 2.
At the request of his counsel, the inquiry was adjourned in order for a written submission to be provided within seven (7) days with respect to charge 2.
The matter will resume on a date to be determined following receipt of the written submission and Stewards considerations.
The Stewards further determined that the embargo pursuant to LR10 shall continue to apply.