Thoroughbred stewards’ inquiry – Trainer Mr Jim Taylor
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards concluded an inquiry into reports from ChemCentre in Perth and Racing Analytical Services Laboratory (Vic) that dexamethasone had been detected in the sample taken from Idyllic Ruler following it racing in and winning, Race 4 at Northam on 19 October 2023.
After hearing evidence from Mr Taylor, ChemCentre representative Dr N Beckett, and RWWA Head of Veterinary Services Dr J Medd, Mr Taylor pleaded guilty to the following charge:
Australian Rule of Racing 240 (2) Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting.
Particulars:
That Mr Taylor was the licensed trainer of Idyllic Ruler when it was brought to race at Northam on 19 October 2023, where it raced and finished first in Race 4, with the prohibited substance dexamethasone, being a Prohibited List B substance, being detected in a urine sample taken from it.
Stewards determined to impose a fine of $5000 for this offence.
Further acting under the provisions of AR 240 (1) Idyllic Ruler was disqualified from the race in question, with placings amended accordingly and relevant adjustments to prizemoney to apply.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
- Mr Taylors guilty plea and forthright manner in addressing this inquiry.
- That although this was not his first offence in relation to this rule, his overall record over many years had been clear until recently.
- That the level reported was low at 0.23ng/mL in comparison to the urine screening limit for dexamethasone at 0.2ng/mL.
- That an explanation for the presence of the substance was established by his evidence and supported by his logbook records which confirmed that he had administered the substance via nebuliser on Sunday, 15 October in accordance with veterinary advice.
- That on the evidence, such administration was consistent with the reported results of analysis, which also supported the evidence of Dr Medd, that a greater period of withdrawal to account for biological variations and the inhaled route of administration was recommended.
- Precedence in relation to past similar matters.
- That due to the delays experienced in relation to the analysis of this sample, this sample taken in October 2023 predates changes he had made since his previous offence was dealt with in December 2023.