Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry today in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from BUDDY PERFECT following its win in Race 5 the LONGYARD HOTEL TAMWORTH PACE (1980 metres) at Tamworth on Thursday 20 June 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Brendan James was present and provided evidence to the Inquiry. In addition, the Certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Assistant Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Annie Knox were presented to the Inquiry.
Having considered the totality of the evidence presented at the Inquiry, HRNSW Stewards issues two (2) charges against Mr James as follows:
Charge 1- Issued 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.
Charge 2- Issued pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190B (1)(b), (3) & (6) as follows:
AHRR 190B. (1) A trainer shall at all times keep and maintain a log book:-
(b) recording all details of treatment administered to any horse in his or her care and including as a minimum requirement:
(i) the name of the horse
(ii) the date and time of administration of the treatment
(iii) the name of the treatment (brand name of active constituent)
(iv) the route of administration
(v) the amount given
(vi) the name and signature of the person or persons administering and/or authorising treatment……
(3) Details of the treatment administered to any horse must be entered into the log book on the day of the administration…..
(6) A trainer who fails to comply with the provisions of sub-rule (1), (3), (4) or (5) is guilty of an offence.
Mr James pleaded guilty to each offence and HRNSW Stewards imposed the following penalties:
Charge 1: 4 months disqualification to commence immediately;
Charge 2: $500 fine.
In considering penalties Stewards were mindful of the following:
- Mr James’ 1st prohibited substance matter;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- The circumstances of this matter;
- Mr James’ personal, financial and professional subjectives;
- Mr James’ guilty pleas;
- Mr James’ involvement in the harness racing industry with the Tamworth Harness Racing Club and as a licensed trainer and driver;
- Mr James’ harness racing offence record;
- HRNSW Penalty Guidelines.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, BUDDY PERFECT was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr James was advised of his right to appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
