Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry Trainer Ms Summer Dickson
RWWA Stewards today conducted an inquiry into a report received from the ChemCentre in Perth, that arsenic in excess of the threshold value being 0.30 mg/L in urine, had been detected in the urine sample taken from SUMMER’S SKYE after it competed in and won Race 5 at Pinjarra on 28 February 2019.
Evidence was taken from RWWA Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd, Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle, ChemCentre Analyst Ms Kelly Wilson, the trainer of SUMMER’S SKYE Ms Summer Dickson and the Managing Part-Owner Mr James Miorada.
The inquiry determined that based on the presented that the presence of arsenic in excess of the threshold as reported had most likely arisen from environmental factors given that SUMMER’S SKYE had ingested CCA treated timbers which were used as fencing in its yard and consequently it had exposure to the substance leading into the above race. The evidence taken also revealed a number of other factors that were taken into account by the Stewards, including;
- No metabolites of sodium arsanilate, which would suggest administration with an organic form of arsenic (e.g. Jurocyl), were detected in the urine sample
- The level of arsenic detected was consistent with studies conducted with respect to the ingestion of CCA treated timbers.
Ms Dickson was subsequently charged under the provisions of ARR240 (2), which states;
Subject to sub rule (3), if a horse is brought to a racecourse for the purpose of participating in a race and a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A and/or Prohibited List B is detected in a sample taken from the horse prior to or following its running in any race, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of the horse at any relevant time breaches these Australian Rules.
The particulars of the charge being that Ms Dickson, as the trainer of SUMMER’S SKYE brought that mare to compete in the above race with the prohibited substance arsenic being detected in the post-race urine sample taken from it.
Ms Dickson pleaded guilty to the charge and the Stewards determined to record a conviction for the breach of the rules relating to presentation, however after considering all of the circumstances related to this particular matter no penalty was imposed.
Ms Dickson and Mr Miorada were informed that SUMMER’S SKYE was disqualified from the above race under the provisions of ARR 240(1) with the commensurate consequences for stake money to apply.
Such decision is consistent with a number of recently decided similar cases involving arsenic, however it should not be seen as a precedent for any future inquiries and all trainers must take the appropriate measures to prevent racehorses under their care from being exposed to CCA treated pine timber products or any other substance that may present a similar risk of an elevated arsenic level.