On Tuesday 2 May 2023, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Salicylic Acid above the threshold of 6.5 micrograms per millilitre in plasma was detected in the blood sample taken from HAPPY AS following its win in race 3, the APG 2022 BUYERS BENEFITS PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Dubbo on Friday 22 October 2021.
The ‘B’ sample was confirmed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC).
Mr Turnbull appeared at the Inquiry with his legal representative and provided evidence of his registered training establishment and husbandry. The certificates of analysis from ARFL and HKJC were presented to the Inquiry as well as levels for salicylic acid in associated stable samples.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott presented evidence to the Inquiry and Dr Derek Major also provided evidence on behalf of Mr Turnbull. Based on the available evidence, lucerne hay could not be excluded as the cause of the salicylic acid levels recorded in the subject sample.
Mr Turnbull pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1),(2) & (4) for presenting HAPPY AS to race not free of a prohibited substance.
In respect of that charge Stewards imposed a fine of $5000.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- Mr Turnbull’s second Prohibited Substance offence;
- Circumstances involved in this matter;
- Class 3 Prohibited substance;
- Mr Turnbull’s guilty plea;
- Mr Turnbull’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 195, HAPPY AS was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Turnbull was advised of his right to appeal this decisions.
For further information contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
