Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the horse PARTY HAT following its win in race 5, the BLUEGUM MOTEL DUBBO PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Dubbo on Friday 6 May 2022.
The reserve portion and control sample were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Peter Wright was present and provided evidence to the Inquiry. In addition, the certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were presented to the Inquiry.
Evidence was presented to the Inquiry by Mr Wright regarding the use of a sheep worming drench that contained levamisole on the property.
Mr Wright was found guilty of a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) as follows:
AHRR 190. (1) A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
(2) If a horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1) the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence.
(3) If a person is left in charge of a horse and the horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1), the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
(4) An offence under sub rule (2) or sub rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.
Mr Wright was disqualified for a period of 12 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- Mr Wright’s personal subjectives;
- The circumstances of this matter;
- Serious nature of the substance;
- Class 2/3 Prohibited Substance;
- Mr Wright’s not guilty plea;
- Mr Wright’s involvement as a trainer in the harness racing industry since 2001/02;
- Mr Wright’s first prohibited substance offence.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, PARTY HAT was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Wright was advised of his right to Appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
For further information contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
