August 19, 2011

The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard a matter in regards to a charge issued by HRV Stewards under Australian Rule of Harness Racing (ARHR) 190(1) against licensed trainer Mr Malcolm Whiteford.

ARHR 190(1) reads as follows:

A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.

The charge issued by HRV Stewards against Mr Whiteford related to a pre race blood sample taken from the horse Jack Hall' before it finished third in Race 7 the ‘Harcorp Produce Pace’ at Shepparton on 30 June, 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 Whiteford pleaded guilty to the charge and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a $10,000 fine.

Under ARHR 195, the HRV RAD Board ordered that ‘Jack Hall' be disqualified from Race 7 conducted at Shepparton on 30 June 2011 and that the finishing places be amended accordingly.