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 CHRISTIAN SHANNON following its win in Race 2 at Tamworth on Wednesday 17 February 2021.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Mr Ison 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 Ison pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Rule 190 (1), (2) & (4) for presenting CHRISTIAN SHANNON 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 Ison as they were satisfied that the detection of synephrine had resulted from environmental contamination.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
Mr Ison’s first Prohibited Substance offence;
Environmental contamination;
Mr Ison’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, CHRISTIAN SHANNON was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Ison was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
