Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry today in relation to reports from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the following samples:
- Pre-race blood sample taken from the horse SKINNYDIP NZ prior to race 4, the STEEL SUPPLIES PACE (2270 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 7 July 2023;
- Post-race blood sample taken from the horse SKINNYDIP NZ following its win in race 4, the MATARANKA PARK STANDARDBREDS PACE (1740 metres) conducted at Wagga on Friday 21 July 2023.
The ‘B’ samples were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
The Inquiry commenced on Wednesday 18 December 2024 and Licensed Trainer Mr Nathan Jack appeared at the Inquiry via Zoom, together with his legal representative, Mr Damian Sheales of Counsel.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry, including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the subject samples and available documented studies.
Dr Adam Cawley, current Science Manager at RASL and former Science Manager at ARFL, provided evidence to the Inquiry. HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott also provided some evidence to the Inquiry, prior to an application from Mr Sheales to adjourn the Inquiry for the purpose of reviewing scientific literature.
The Inquiry resumed at 12 midday on Friday 27 December 2024 at which time Dr Wainscott provided further evidence to the Inquiry. In addition, Mr Jack provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to the horse SKINNYDIP NZ and his registered training establishment.
Mr Jack pleaded guilty to two (2) charges 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 Jack was disqualified for a period of 9 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Jack’s personal, professional and financial subjectives;
- The circumstances of this matter;
- Serious nature of the substance;
- Mr Jack’s first prohibited substance offence;
- Mr Jack’s guilty pleas;
- Mr Jack’s involvement as a trainer/driver in the harness racing industry, together with his financial sponsorship of mini trots;
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, SKINNYDIP NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned races.
Mr Jack was advised of his right to Appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
