Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry yesterday into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Metformin was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from AD MAIORA following its win in race 8, the NATIONAL TROTGUIDE PACE (2030 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Monday 29 August 2022.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mrs Kerry Ann Morris appeared at the Inquiry and presented evidence in relation to the horse AD MAIORA and her registered training establishment. Mr Peter Morris (Snr), also a Licensed Trainer, provided evidence in relation to his medical history and his involvement with the registered training establishment of Mrs Kerry Ann Morris.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the post-race urine sample, together with medication records for Mr Morris (Snr).
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry that there were a number of potential sources within the stable environment from which metformin could have been entered the system of the horse AD MAIORA through contamination.
Mrs Morris pleaded guilty to a charge issued against her 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.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The circumstances of this matter including evidence of Dr Wainscott in relation to contamination;
- Mrs Morris’ licence history, offence record, training and driving records during a 21 year involvement in the harness racing industry as a licensed person;
- Mrs Morris’ personal subjective facts, together with her charity and ambassadorial roles.
- Mrs Morris’ third prohibited substance matter and the second for which a penalty has been issued.
- Mrs Morris’ guilty plea.
In relation to Mrs Morris, HRNSW Stewards imposed a $4,000 fine.
Mrs Morris was advised of her appeal rights.
Mr Peter Morris (Snr) pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to AHRR 239A in relation to his conduct and/or negligence that led to the detection of Metformin in the subject urine sample.
AHRR 239A. A person whose conduct or negligence has led or could lead to a breach of the rules is guilty of an offence.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The circumstances of this matter including evidence of Dr Wainscott in relation to contamination;
- Mr Morris’ licence history, offence record, training and driving records during a 52 year involvement in the harness racing industry;
- Mr Morris’ personal subjective facts;
- Mr Morris’ previous prohibited substance matters;
- Mr Morris’ guilty plea.
In relation to Mr Morris (Snr), HRNSW Stewards imposed a $4,000 fine.
Mr Morris was advised of his appeal rights.
Pursuant to AHRR 195, HRNSW Stewards disqualified AD MAIORA from the abovementioned race.
