Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have concluded an Inquiry today that commenced at the Young Harness meeting on 26 February 2021 in relation to an injection provided to the horse HOLY CAMP CAPRHYSE within one (1) clear day of the commencement of Race 1 at that meeting.
Acting under the provisions of Rule 196B (3), HOLY CAMP CAPRHYSE was withdrawn from the subject race.
The Inquiry was adjourned on that date for the purpose of obtaining the results of analytical tests conducted on a blood sample obtained from the horse.
Licensed Trainer Mr Peter McFarlane was present and provided evidence to the Inquiry on both dates.
Following consideration of the evidence, HRNSW Stewards issued a charge against Mr McFarlane pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 196B (1) & (4) which states:
AHRR 196B. (1) A person shall not without the permission of the Stewards within one (1) clear day of the commencement of a race administer, attempt to administer or cause to be administered an injection to a horse nominated for that race.
(2) For the purposes of this Rule -
(a) One clear day means the twenty four (24) hour period from 12.01 a.m. to 12 midnight;
(b) Administering an injection to a horse means the use of a hypodermic needle or other instrument to introduce or extract any substance from the horse;
(c) It is not necessary to establish whether any substance was injected or the nature of the substance injected.
(3) The Stewards shall order the withdrawal or disqualification of a horse that has been either administered or attempted to have been administered an injection in breach of sub-rule (1).
(4) A person who fails to comply with sub-rule (1) is guilty of an offence.
Mr McFarlane pleaded guilty to the charge and was disqualified for a period of 6 months to commence immediately.
In determining penalty, Stewards gave consideration to the following matters:
• The serious nature of the offence;
• Mr McFarlane’s guilty plea;
• Mr McFarlane overall licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Mr McFarlane was informed of his right to appeal the decision of HRNSW Stewards.
For further information on this matter contact:
HRNSW Integrity Department
(02) 9722 6655
