Thoroughbred stewards’ inquiry – trainer Mr Jason Miller – Marinsky Ballet
RWWA stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports received from the ChemCentre (WA) and Racing Analytical Services Limited confirming the detection of the prohibited substance Lignocaine and 3-Hydroxylignocaine in the sample taken from Marinsky Ballet at York on 11 September 2022 where it competed in and won race 6.
Evidence was taken from RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian Dr C McMullen, ChemCentre Analyst Ms E Cook, RWWA Investigator Mrs F Bennett and trainer Mr J Miller.
Charge 1
Mr Miller pleaded guilty to breaching AR240(2) with the particulars of the charge being that he was the licensed trainer of Marinsky Ballet when it was brought to race at York on 11 September 2022 where it raced and won race 6, with the prohibited substances Lignocaine and 3-Hydroxylignocaine, being a Prohibited List B substance, being detected in a post-race blood sample taken from the mare.
Charge 2
Mr Miller further pleaded guilty to breaching AR104 with the particulars being he as the licensed trainer did fail to record the treatments and medication of Neocort Cream administered to Marinsky Ballet prior to 11 September 2022 within his required treatment records as specified within Rule 104.
When considering the questions of penalty, stewards considered, amongst other things;
- Mr Miller’s personal circumstances, including his many years of participation in the industry during which time he maintained an unblemished record.
- His acknowledgement of the offences as evidenced by his pleas of guilt.
- That the substance in question was classed as therapeutic.
- The need for deterrence both general and specific to reinforce the industry’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field and the confidence of those which support it.
- Previous penalties issued in relation to similar cases involving this substance of which were fines.
- The importance of trainers maintaining all records of treatments.
Taking into account all matters the stewards determined the appropriate penalties for these offences was;
Charge 1: AR240(2) a fine of $3,000
Charge 2: AR104 a fine of $300.
Acting under the provisions of AR 240(1) Marinsky Ballet was disqualified from the race in question and the stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly with commensurate implications for all stake money.