Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Trainer R. MOSS (SECRET PEARL)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into a report received from ChemCentre in Perth that Arsenic in excess of the threshold of 0.30 milligrams per litre in urine had been detected in the pre-race urine sample taken from SECRET PEARL trained by Mr R. Moss, prior to Racing at Belmont in Race 9 on 8 August 2020, where the mare finished twelfth of the 14 runners.
Evidence was heard and tabled from the ChemCentre, RWWA Steward Ms N.Wood and RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr C McMullen. Mr Moss pleaded guilty to the following charge.
Charge – AR240(2):
With the particulars being; that as the licenced trainer, Mr Moss presented SECRET PEARL to race in Race 9 at Belmont Racecourse on 8 August 2020, where it raced and finished twelfth, with the prohibited substance Arsenic being detected in a pre-race urine sample taken from it, as evidenced by a concentration of Arsenic in excess of 0.30 milligrams per litre.
Penalty:
After considering penalty, Stewards determined to impose a fine of $2,000, of which $1000 will be suspended for a period of 1 year on the condition that Mr Moss does not breach any rules in relation to samples taken from his horses within that time period.
Further pursuant to AR240(1), Secret Pearl was disqualified from the race in question with placings to be amended accordingly with the commensurate implications to all stake money to apply.
In determining penalty, Stewards took into account several factors including:
- Mr Moss’ personal circumstances and plea of guilty.
- That the Stewards were satisfied that the reported level of arsenic was likely to have arisen due to SECRET PEARL ingesting CCA treated timber at the property.
- Previous warnings to participants that future action taken by Stewards, in matters relation to the presentation of horses with Arsenic levels which exceed the threshold, may result in penalties being imposed, regardless of any evidence relating to the ingestion of CCA treated timber products. Despite warnings being issued for offences in relation to the detection of Arsenic, there was now a need for penalties to be in place to further encourage all trainers to take the appropriate cautions to prevent horses exceeding the threshold for this substance. In this regard trainers are again reminded to take all necessary steps to avoid horses being exposed to ingestion of CCA treated timber or other products which may contain Arsenic.