January 13, 2012
The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard a matter in regards to charges issued by HRV Stewards under Australian Rules of Harness Racing (ARHR) 190(1) and 190B(1) against licensed trainer Mr Andrew Vozlic.
ARHR 190(1) reads as follows:
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
ARHR 190B(1) reads as follows:
A trainer shall at all times keep and maintain a log book:-
(a) listing all therapeutic substances in his or her possession;
(b) recording all details of treatment administered to any horse in his or her possession.
The charge issued by HRV Stewards against Mr Vozlic related to a post-race blood sample taken from the horse ‘Our Girl Dolly' after it finished fifth in Race 2 the ‘Tankard Dental Pace (2nd heat) at Mildura on 2 September, 2011. Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) reported that the analysis of this blood sample revealed the sample contained a prohibited substance, that being a total carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.
Mr Vozlic was found guilty of the charge under Rule 190(1) and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a 5 year disqualification. The HRV RAD Board ordered the disqualification to commence immediately.
Mr Vozlic was also found guilty of the charge under Rule 190B(1) and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a fine of $250.
Under ARHR 195, the HRV RAD Board ordered that ‘Our Girl Dolly' be disqualified from Race 2 conducted at Mildura on 2 September 2011 and that the finishing places be amended accordingly.
Mr Vozlic has indicated that he will appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
