Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have concluded an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from CHUBBY CHECKER NZ following its win in race 8, the EVEKARE ASSISTED LIVING PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday 23 March 2021.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Jack Trainor was present throughout the Inquiry with his legal representative and provided evidence to the Inquiry. In addition, the Certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott and other witnesses were presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Trainor pleaded guilty to a charge issued by the 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 Trainor was disqualified for a period of 10 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The submissions provided by Mr Trainor’s legal representative on his behalf;
- The circumstances of this matter;
- Mr Trainor’s involvement in the harness racing industry;
- Mr Trainor’s training record;
- Mr Trainor’s first prohibited substance offence;
- Mr Trainor’s guilty plea;
- Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
- The impact of a disqualification upon Mr Trainor from a personal and financial perspective.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, CHUBBY CHECKER NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Trainor was advised of his right to Appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
For further information please contact:
HRNSW Integrity Manager Michael Prentice
(02) 9722 6600 mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
HRNSW Chairman of Stewards Clint Bentley
(02) 9722 6628 cbentley@hrnsw.com.au
