Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Luke Fernie (SPIN THE KNIFE)
RWWA Stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports received from the ChemCentre (WA) and Racing Analytical Services Ltd (Vic) confirming the detection of the prohibited substance 3-hydroxylignocaine (metabolite of Lignocaine) in the sample taken from SPIN THE KNIFE at Belmont races on 4 September 2021 where it competed in and won Race 9.
Evidence was taken from RWWA Head of Veterinary Services Dr J Medd, ChemCentre Analyst Dr N Beckett, RWWA Investigator Mrs F Bennett and trainer Mr L Fernie.
Mr Fernie pleaded guilty to breaching AR 240 (2) with the particulars of the charge being that he was the licensed trainer of SPIN THE KNIFE when it was brought to race at Belmont on 4 September 2021 where it raced and won Race 9, with the prohibited substance 3-hydroxylignocaine, being a Prohibited List B substance, being detected in a post-race urine sample taken from that gelding.
Mr Fernie further pleaded guilty to breaching AR104 with the particulars being that he as the licensed trainer did fail to record the treatments and medication of Neocort Cream administered to SPIN THE KNIFE prior to 4 September 2021, within his required treatment records as specified within Rule 104.
When considering the questions of penalty Stewards considered, amongst other things:
- Mr Fernie’s personal circumstances, including his time of participation in the industry during which he maintained an unblemished record in relation to prohibited substances.
- 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 industries 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 that the appropriate penalties for these offences was:
AR240(2) a fine of $3,000 and AR104 a fine of $300.
Acting under the provisions of AR 240 (1) SPIN THE KNIFE was disqualified from the race in question and the Stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly with commensurate implications for all stake money.