Leading Sydney harness racing trainer Luke McCarthy has been banned for nine months over a positive swab.
A Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) report on the long-running inquiry says McCarthy, who was charged on Monday, has been disqualified after the well-performed pacer Mach Wiper tested positive to an unacceptable amount of an anabolic steroid.
Mach Wiper returned a positive sample to boldenone after winning the Newcastle Cup in December.
McCarthy was found guilty of breaching Australian Harness Racing Rule 190 (1), (2) and (4).
In handing down the penalty on Tuesday, HRNSW stewards said they took into consideration McCarthy’s unblemished record over more than a decade as a trainer.
McCarthy, who relocated from Queensland last year, is a runaway leader of both the 2011-2012 metropolitan and state premierships, with 86 and 209 wins respectively.
His disqualification starts immediately.
