On Friday 1 October 2021, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that synephrine had been detected in post-race urine sample obtained from POPPY FRANCO following its win in Race 3 at Parkes on Tuesday 26 January 2021.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Cassell appeared at the Inquiry and provided evidence of his registered training establishment and husbandry. HRNSW Regulatory veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott also provided evidence to the Inquiry.
Mr Cassell pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting POPPY FRANCO to race not free of a prohibited substance, being synephrine.
In respect of that charge, Stewards recorded a conviction, however, did not impose a penalty on Mr Cassell as they were satisfied that the detection of synephrine had resulted from environmental contamination.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
Mr Cassell’s first Prohibited Substance offence in relation to Synephrine;
Environmental contamination;
Mr Cassell’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, POPPY FRANCO was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Cassell was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
