Thoroughbred stewards’ inquiry update – trainer Brock Lewthwaite
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards yesterday issued their determination with respect to the charge issued to thoroughbred trainer Mr Lewthwaite on 8 July 2022 under 240 (2) where the particulars of the charge were:
“That Mr Brock Lewthwaite was the licensed trainer of Star Present when it was brought to race at Ascot on 9 April 2022, where it raced in Race 4, with the prohibited substances testosterone and boldenone, being Prohibited List A substances, being detected in the sample taken from that mare.”
The inquiry into this matter was commenced on 8 July 2022 and progressed through several sittings, the last of which was on 27 January 2023, where final submissions and evidence in support of the not guilty plea were put.
Considerable evidence, including 300 pages of transcript and 46 exhibits, accumulated through the course of proceedings.
After considering all evidence, stewards determined to find Mr Lewthwaite guilty as charged for the reasons set out with a written determination issued to him.
The inquiry will now resume on a date to be determined to hear submissions with respect to penalty, having regard to the following:
- The nature of the substances involved being Prohibited List A substances
- That such substances are effectively permanently banned substances
- The overall seriousness of the presence of these substances in an animal that has raced
- The need for the industry to maintain public confidence, with offences of this nature having the potential to negatively impact this, particularly in circumstances where a person found guilty of such offence is permitted to continue to present horses for races pending determination of penalty
The panel also determined pursuant to AR23 and LR22 that Mr Lewthwaite’s licences be immediately suspended to the extent that he cannot nominate as the trainer any horses to compete in any races or official trials or handle any horses in any races or official trials pending the outcome of this matter.