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 Eric Paul Watson. 

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 Watson related to a post-race urine sample taken from the horse ‘Gentle Image' after it finished fourth in Race 6 the ‘Bayswater Jayco Pacers Handicap at Charlton on 19 September, 2011.  Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) reported that the analysis of this urine sample revealed the sample contained the prohibited substance Heptaminol. 

Mr Watson was found guilty of the charge under Rule 190(1) and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a 6 month disqualification and a fine of $3,000. The HRV RAD Board ordered the disqualification to commence immediately.

Mr Watson 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 ‘Gentle Image' be disqualified from Race 6 conducted at Charlton on 19 September 2011 and that the finishing places be amended accordingly.

Mr Watson has indicated that he will appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).