Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Les Coulson
1 February, 2016
Harness
RWWA Stewards today, inquired into reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth that cobalt at a concentration in excess of 200 micrograms per litre, being the threshold prescribed in the Harness Rules of Racing (HRR), had been detected in urine samples taken from the following horses trained by Mr Les Coulson.
30th October 2015 – ANOTHER VINNIE – Gloucester Park Race 7
11th July 2015 – NOT SMALL – Bunbury Race 2
24th July 2015 – ANOTHER VINNIE – Gloucester Park Race 7
1st August 2015 – ANOTHER VINNIE – Bunbury Race 6
These findings were verified by the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL).
Evidence was taken from the Trainer, Mr Les Coulson, RWWA Investigator Mr Geoff Johnson, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd and ChemCentre Manager Mr Charles Russo.
Trainer Mr L Coulson was found guilty to four charges issued under Harness Rule of Racing 196(A)(ii) with the particulars of the charges being;
- Charge 1 –that as the trainer, Mr Coulson administered the prohibited substance cobalt by way of a concentrated cobalt powder to ANOTHER VINNIE prior to it competing in and winning Race 7 at Gloucester Park on 30 October 2015 which was then detected in the urine sample taken from the horse following that race which was found to be in excess of 200μg/L in urine.
- Charges 2,3 and 4 were particularised in similar terms in relation to the respective races and horses.
- Mr Coulson pleaded guilty to four charges issued under Rule 190 (1) & (2) which related to presentation with the particulars of the charges being;
- Charge 5 – that as the trainer Mr Coulson presented ANOTHER VINNIE to race in Race 7 at Gloucester Park on 30 October 2015 where it raced and finished first, not free of the prohibited substance cobalt evidenced by a concentration of cobalt at a level in excess of 200μg/L in urine.
- Charges 6, 7, and 8 were particularised in similar terms in relation to the respective races and horses.
After hearing submissions on the question of penalty, the inquiry was adjourned in order for the Stewards to consider all matters and determine the appropriate penalties.
The embargoes imposed at the outset of this matter on Mr Coulson in suspending all his licenses pursuant to HRR 183 (d) continue to apply pending the Stewards determination.