A Toowoomba based trainer and his foreman have both been sentenced twelve month disqualifications after a horse in their care returned a positive reading to cobalt at Lismore in May this year.
Racing NSW’s media release:
Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the Analysts’ finding of cobalt at a concentration above the level excepted in AR178C(1) in the pre-race urine sample taken from Summer Forever prior to that gelding finishing in 7th position in Race 1, the Maiden Plate conducted at Lismore Racecourse on the 7 May 2016.
The National Measurement Institute (NSW), on 5 July 2016, reported a level of 648 ug/L and on the 25 July 2016, the ChemCentre (WA) certified cobalt at a level of 590 ug/L.
Evidence was today taken from Toowoomba trainer Mr John A P Smith, trainer of Summer Forever, who also represented the interests of the owners of Summer Forever at the inquiry and stable foreman Mr Victor Newman. The Racing NSW Senior Official Veterinarian assisted the inquiry.
Mr Smith pleaded guilty to a charge under AR178 of having brought Summer Forever to Lismore Racecourse for the purposes of engaging in a race when a prohibited substance was detected in a sample taken from the gelding prior to it running in the said race.
Mr Smith was disqualified from racing for a period of 12 months to expire on the 9 August 2017. In assessing penalty, Stewards took into account Mr Smith’s guilty plea and his clear record over forty years as a licensed trainer.
Under the powers of AR196(6)(a) the commencement of the penalty was deferred for seven days, however, Mr Smith may not start a horse in any race in that period.
Mr Newman pleaded guilty to a charge under AR178 of having been a person in charge of Summer Forever at a relevant time and having brought Summer Forever to Lismore Racecourse for the purposes of engaging in a race when a prohibited substance was detected in a sample taken from the gelding prior to it running in the said race.
Mr Newman was disqualified from racing for a period of 12 months to expire on the 9 August 2017. In assessing penalty Stewards took into consideration Mr Newman’s clear record in respect to prohibited substances.
Under the powers of AR177, Summer Forever was disqualified from its 7th placing in Race 1, the Maiden plate conducted at Lismore Racecourse on the 7 May 2016 and the placings were amended as follows:
1st – Abseil
2nd – Coup De Valor
3rd – Boy In A Million
4th – Cheryl Anne Can
5th – Destiny’s Secret
6th – Other Way
7th – Benny Beau Yang
8th – Here He Is
Mr Smith and Mr Newman were advised of their rights of appeal.
