Friday 14th March 2025
Stewards Inquiry-Trainer Mr. J. Scaffidi (Secret Lady). 14th March 2025.
Panel T. T. Styles, S. Ewen.
Called to inquiry trainer Joe Scaffidi assisted by trainer Bronte Giorgio.
Harness Racing South Australia Stewards conducted an inquiry today in relation to a report from Racing Analytical Services Lt. (RASL) that Cobalt and Heptaminol were detected in the pre-race urine sample taken from Secret Lady prior to it competing in and running second in Race 9. The Merry Christmas From SAHRC at Globe Derby Park on Saturday 21st December 2024.
The confirmatory analysis was carried out by ChemCentre in Perth, Western Australia and it confirmed presence of Cobalt and Heptaminol in the sample with control wash clear.
Trainer of Secret Lady Mr. Joe Scaffidi assisted by Trainer Mr. Bronte Giorgio gave evidence in respect to his stable practices leading up to the race and in particular his use of medications which had been examined at his stables by the Stewards on January 22nd 2025. Evidence was also provided to the inquiry by Dr. Adam Cawley Scientific Manager at RASL and HRSA Consulting Veterinary Officer Dr. Dan Sims.
Having considered all evidence presented to the inquiry Stewards issued two (2) charges against Mr. Scaffidi as follows.
Charge 1. AHRR 190 (1), (2), (3) (4).
(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) (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in the horse.
The specifics of the charge were “ That you Mr. Joe Scaffidi as Trainer of Secret Lady did present that filly to race at Globe Derby on Saturday 21st December 2024 in Race 9. The Merry Christmas From SAHRC Pace when not free of the prohibited substances Cobalt and Heptaminol as confirmed by the Analyst reports”.
Mr. Scaffidi pleaded guilty to the charge.
Having considered an address on penalty from Mr. Scaffidi assisted by Mr. Giorgio and considering all matters relevant when imposing penalties Stewards made the following decisions.
Charge (1) Suspension of Trainers licence for a period of Twelve (12) Months.
In accordance with AHRR 195 Secret Lady disqualified as 2nd placegetter in the relevant race.
An order in accordance with AHRR 310 (1) that Mr. Scaffidi pay $500 towards costs for Confirmatory Analysis of the sample.
Mr. Scaffidi was advised of his right to appeal the decisions.
T Styles
Chair of Stewards
HRSA
