April 14, 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 Paul Weidenbach.

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 Weidenbach related to a pre race blood sample taken from the horse 'Majestic Bono NZ' before it finished third in Race 2 at Shepparton on 22 January, 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 Weidenbach was found guilty of the charge and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a 12 month period of suspension of Mr Weidenbach's training and driving licences together with a $6,000 fine.

Under ARHR 195, the HRV RAD Board ordered that 'Majestic Bono NZ' be disqualified from Race 2 conducted at Shepparton on 22 January 2011 and that the finishing places be amended accordingly.