Thoroughbreds Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Peter Fernie
RWWA Stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports received from the ChemCentre (WA) and Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) (Victoria) confirming the detection of the prohibited substance Dexamethasone in the urine sample taken from DALGARANGA on 25 April 2020 after it competed in and won in Race 6 at Kalgoorlie.
Evidence was taken from ChemCentre Analyst Ms E Cook, RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr P Criddle, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr J Medd and trainer Mr P Fernie.
Mr Fernie pleaded guilty to breaching AR240(2) with the particulars of the charge being that he, as the licensed trainer, brought and presented DALGARANGA for the purposes of participating in Race 6 at Kalgoorlie on 25 April 2020 where it raced and finished first with the prohibited substance Dexamethasone, a Prohibited List B substance, being detected in a post-race urine sample taken from it.
When considering the question of penalty, Stewards considered, amongst other things;
- The importance of animals being presented for races free of prohibited substances in order to maintain a level playing field.
- Mr Fernie’s personal circumstances, including his many years of participation in the industry during which he has maintained an unblemished record.
- His acknowledgement of the offence as evidenced by his plea of guilt.
- The absence of explanation for the presence of the substance at the reported level.
- The nature of the substance detected, that being of a therapeutic nature.
- Past penalties issued in relation to this substance.
Taking into account all matters, the Stewards determined the appropriate penalty for this offence was a fine of $5,000.
Acting under the provisions of AR240(1) DALRANGA was disqualified from the race in question and the Stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly with commensurate implications for stake money.