Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Ross Miller
16 March, 2016
Harness
RWWA Stewards today, inquired into the report 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, had been detected in a urine sample taken from DREAM TO BELIEVE at Northam on 16 January 2016 after it had competed in and won Race 7.
This finding has been verified by the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) in Victoria.
Evidence was taken from the Trainer Mr Ross Miller, RWWA Investigator Mr Paul Criddle, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd and ChemCentre Manager Mr Charles Russo.
Stewards subsequently issued the following charges;
Charge 1 – Harness Rule of Racing 190 (1) & (2) with the particulars of the charge being;
Mr Miller as the trainer presented DREAM TO BELIEVE to race in Race 7 at Northam on 16 January 2016 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.”
Mr Miller entered a plea of not guilty to this charge.
Charge 2 – Harness Rule of Racing 190B with the particulars of the charge being;
Mr Miller did fail to comply with the provisions of that rule in that he did not keep and maintain a compliant log book recording all details of treatment for DREAM TO BELIEVE for the prescribed period of 2-years as required by Rule 190B(5).
Mr Miller entered a plea of guilty to this charge.
The inquiry was adjourned at the request of Mr Miller in order for him to obtain legal advice with respect to Charge 1.
It is expected that Mr Miller will be in a position to resume the inquiry within 14-days at which time the Stewards will hear any submissions in support of his plea.
The previous suspension of his licences pursuant to Rule 183(d) remain applicable.
Media Contact: Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au