Thoroughbred stewards’ inquiry – trainer Michelle Cockell (MODERN TIMES)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards conducted an inquiry on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 into the reports from the Chem Centre (Perth) and Racing Analytical Services (Victoria) that the pre-race blood sample taken from MODERN TIMES prior to it competing in and finishing seventh (7th) in Race 1 at Roebourne on Friday, 8 July 2022 was found to have a level of total carbon dioxide content (TCO2) in excess of the prescribed threshold of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.
Following evidence from the trainer Ms M Cockell, Chem Centre representative Miss E Cook and RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian Dr C McMullen, Ms Cockell pleaded guilty to the following charge:
- Charge under AR 240 (2) Prohibited substance in a sample taken from a horse, with the particulars of the charge being that Ms Cockell, as the trainer, brought MODERN TIMES to Roebourne racecourse on Friday 8th July 2022 to compete in Race 1, with a concentration of TCO2 in excess of 36.0 mmol/L in plasma being detected in a pre-race blood sample taken from MODERN TIMES
The stewards have determined to issue the penalty of a disqualification for six months, effective immediately.
Further, MODERN TIMES was disqualified from the race in question in accordance with AR 240 (1).
In considering penalty, stewards considered the following factors:
- Ms Cockell’s plea of guilty and that this was her first offence of this kind
- The nature of the prohibited substance detected (TCO2) and the levels detected
- Previous penalties issued in relation to the detection of this prohibited substance, all of which have been periods of disqualification
- Ms Cockell’s personal circumstances
- The potential for such matters to tarnish the image and reputation of racing.