SA - Concluded Inquiry Tramadol

19 May 2022
Logo

ADDITIONAL REPORT –
GLOBE DERBY PARK – Monday 31 January 2022 - RACE 8 - TAB LIVE SKY RACING VISION PACE -
Stewards have concluded an Inquiry into the circumstances that analysis of a post-race blood sample taken from the registered horse MASTER CARIBBEAN detected the presence of the substance, Tramadol.
On Friday 22 April 2022 after taking evidence from Trainer Ms T Warren, Trainer Mr C Fuller, HRSA Veterinarian Dr R Haensel and RASL Laboratory Director Dr D Batty the Inquiry was adjourned to permit Stewards to seek further expert evidence regarding the elimination of Tramadol by humans.
On Friday 13 May 2022 the Inquiry resumed to consider a Report by Dr E Clisby in regard to the elimination of Tramadol from the human body and Reports from the FEI on cases involving Tramadol previously referenced by the Trainer.
After considering the evidence Stewards issued a charge against Trainer Ms T Warren under Rules HR. 190(1), HR. 190(2), and HR. 190(4).
CHARGE - On Monday 31 January 2022 at Globe Derby Park in Race 8 you Tayla Warren did present the horse MASTER CARIBBEAN when not free of a prohibited substance, being in contravention of Rule 190(1).
The particulars being:
1. At all relevant times, you were the holder of a current B Trainers licence issued by HRSA and a person bound by the Australian Harness Racing Rules
2. At the relevant time you were the trainer of the registered horse MASTER CARIBBEAN and the person responsible for the presentation of the horse;
3. On Monday 31 January 2022, the horse MASTER CARIBBEAN was presented to race at the Globe Derby Park harness racing meeting in Race 8 the ‘TAB LIVE SKY RACING VISION PACE;
4. Following Race 8, a blood sample was taken from MASTER CARIBBEAN which subsequent analysis by an approved laboratory detected the substance Tramadol;
5. Tramadol is a substance prohibited under the Rules, HR 188A(1)(a) due to its action on the nervous system and under HR 188A(1)(b) as an analgesic.
Ms Warren pleaded guilty to the charge.
In relation to penalty the Trainer submitted that the source of the contamination occurred through
another Trainer who had assisted in gearing MASTER CARIBBEAN and used Tramadol legitimately
prescribed for back pain. Having regard to all the circumstances of the alleged contamination, the
Stewards could not on the balance of probabilities be satisfied that the transmission of Tramadol
through contact with the persons hands immediately prior to racing was reasonable explanation.
Stewards acknowledged that while such a scenario may be possible, that of itself does not make it
probable or the most likely explanation as compared to any other scenario.
Having considered the Trainer’s submission on penalty and subjective matters, Stewards determined
Ms Warren be disqualified for a period of six (6) months to commence immediately. In arriving at
the penalty Stewards acknowledged the Trainers previous good offence record and her general
cooperation.
Acting under Rule HR. 195 Stewards, satisfied on the evidence that a prohibited substance had been
detected in a sample taken from MASTER CARIBBEAN after winning Race 8 (TAB LIVE SKY RACING
VISION PACE) at GLOBE DERBY PARK on Monday 31 January 2022 determined to disqualify the
horse. The amended placings are:
First - 5 – HALF MOON BEACH
Second - 3 – GOLDEN JAYLET
Third - 6 - ONE NIGHT AT THEMILE NZ
Fourth - 1 – SUTTER MAN
Acting under Rule HR 200(1) Stewards also ordered that the prizemoney distributed to the
connections of MASTER CARIBBEAN be repaid to HRSA.

 

Related News

8 October 2025
Elevated TC02 Levels Notice - Horses Required to Present Early
On 1 September 2014, HRNSW introduced the following policy for horses that are presented to race with an Elevated TCO2 level in plasma greater than 35 mmol/Litre. This policy was updated on 28 October 2015. The Trainer of any horse which records an elevated TCO2 level (above 35 mmol/L) will be required...
8 October 2025
Trainer Stood Down - Mr Adam Ruggari
Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards, acting under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 183 (a), (b), (c) & (d), suspended the Trainer and Driver’s licences of Mr Adam Ruggari yesterday after receiving advice from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that...
6 October 2025
HRV Stewards- Shane Sanderson- Inquiry concluded.
HRV STEWARDS INQUIRY CONCLUDED. At the Melton trials on 30 September 2025, trainer Shane Sanderson nominated the two-year-old filly SECRETS KEPT to qualify. Upon official inspection prior to the trials, it was discovered via microchip identification that the filly presented as SECRETS KEPT was in fact...
3 October 2025
September Integrity Updates & Information
It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found by the following link. https://www.hrnsw.com.au/racing/stewards/openinquiries New Inquiries 12 September 2025 – Mr Adam Ruggari – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing...
2 October 2025
HRV Stewards- Updated list of horses subject to the Elevated TCO2 Policy
HRV Stewards - Updated list of Elevated TCO2 Policy horses. The full list of horses subject to the provisions of the policy can be viewed here https://www.thetrots.com.au/integrity/elevated-tco2-levels-list/ The HRV Elevated TCO2 Levels Policy can be viewed here.
Click for more