Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Ms Paige Kenney (ROSIE RED DRESS)
Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports received from the ChemCentre and Racing Analytical Services Ltd, confirming the detection of the prohibited substance Ketoprofen, in the post-race sample taken from ROSIE RED DRESS at Ascot races on 27 March 2019.
Evidence was taken from trainer Ms Paige Kenney, her partner Jockey T. Ikenushi, RWWA Veterinarian Dr. J Medd and ChemCentre Analyst Ms. E Cook.
Ms Kenney was found guilty of breaching AR 240 (2) with the particulars of the charge being that she was the licensed trainer of ROSIE RED DRESS when it was brought to race at Ascot on 27 March 2019, where it raced and won Race 5 with the prohibited substance Ketoprofen, being a Prohibited List B substance, being detected in a post-race sample taken from that mare.
When considering the question of penalty stewards took into account:
- Ms Kenney’s very good record over a number of years prior to recent matters arising
- Her forthright and professional manner at all stages
- That the substance in question was classed as therapeutic
- Previous penalties issued in relation to similar classes of anti-inflammatories
- The low level detected which the stewards were satisfied on the available evidence was likely to have been the result of unintended transfer or contamination of Ketoprofen from personal medication being used by Mr Ikenushi
- The serious nature of the presence of a prohibited substance in a horse that has competed in and won a race and the need for deterrence both general and specific
Taking into account all matters the stewards determined the appropriate penalty for the offence was a fine of $5,000.
After taking into account principles of totality, in view of the $5,000 fine imposed recently in the matter involving the detection of Frusemide in the horse THUNDER BOOM also trained by Ms Kenney, stewards determined that another fine of $5,000 would result in an excessive overall burden of penalty given all of the circumstances. Accordingly the fine that is to be imposed was further reduced and accordingly stewards determined to impose a fine of $3,000.
Acting under the provisions of AR 240 (1), ROSIE RED DRESS was disqualified from the race in question and the stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly with commensurate implications for all stake money.
All trainers are reminded of the warning routinely published in the Veterinary notices section of The RacesWA publication concerning possibility of contamination and the need to apply stable management practices to prevent the possibility of environmental contamination or recycling, as such occurrence do not absolve the trainer from their responsibilities under the Rules of Racing.