March 4, 2011
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 Rule of Harness Racing (ARHR) 190(1), ARHR 193(3) and ARHR 90A(2.9)(a) against licensed trainer Mr Ashleigh Herbertson.
ARHR 190(1) reads as follows:
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
ARHR 193(3) reads as follows:
A person shall not administer or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.
ARHR 90A(2.9)(a) reads as follows:
The holder of a trainer's licence shall ensure that all persons carrying out the activities of a stablehand are licenced as stablehands.
The first charge issued by HRV Stewards against Mr Herbertson related to two post race blood samples taken from the horse 'Strangeasitsounds' after it won Race 4 at Tabcorp Park on 19 November, 2010. Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) reported that analysis of these two blood samples revealed the samples contained a prohibited substance, that being a total carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma. The second charge related to Mr Herbertson's admissions, during an interview with HRV Stewards, to having administered the substance 'Bronchimax' via an oral medication applicator to 'Strangeasitsounds' on 19 November 2010, prior to it having raced. The third charge issued by HRV Stewards was as a result of a stable inspection conducted at Mr Herbertson's property on 25 November 2010.
Mr Herbertson pleaded guilty to the three charges issued under ARHR 190(1), ARHR 193(3) and ARHR 90A(2.9)(a). After considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a fine of $7,000 in relation to the offence committed against ARHR 190(1), $800 in relation to the offence committed under ARHR 193(3) and $200 in relation to the offence committed under ARHR 90A(2.9)(a).
Under ARHR 195, the HRV RAD Board ordered that 'Strangeasitsounds' be disqualified from Race 4 conducted at Tabcorp Park on 19 November 2010, the Peter Sadler Transport Pace, and that the places be amended accordingly.
