Alan Donohoe
Stewards today concluded an inquiry involving trainer Alan Donohoe regarding the alleged use of the prohibited substance Aranesp (Darbepoetin Alpha).
The inquiry today heard further evidence from trainer Alan Donohoe, trainer Larry Eastman, pathologist Mr Craig Carmichael and HRV Veterinary Consultant Dr Richard Cust.
At the conclusion of this inquiry the Panel were satisfied on the basis of the evidence before them that Mr Alan Donohoe had administered the substance Aranesp (Darbepoetin Alpha) to the following horses in his care between June and October 2008:
Schultz NZ
Jimmy Jazzalong NZ
Bailey Bromac NZ
Disco Lemonade
Riverboat Rosie NZ
On the basis of this determination Mr Donohoe was issued with five separate charges with regard to each specific horse under the provisions of Rule 243 which states:
“A person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not behave in a way which is prejudicial or detrimental to the industry”.
Mr Donohoe pleaded not guilty to each of the five respective charges, however, after consideration of further submissions from him the panel found the charges proven and formally found him guilty.
With respect to each of these five charges Mr Donohoe was disqualified for a period of five years, it was ordered that these penalties be served concurrently.
Further to this the panel were satisfied on the evidence before them that Mr Donohoe had acquired, held and controlled the prohibited substance Aranesp (Darbepoetin Alpha) between June and October 2008. and as a result a charge was issued against Mr Donohoe under the provisions of Rule 194 which states:
“A person who holds and controls drugs unlawfully or which are unlabelled or with a supporting prescriptions is, if those drugs are capable of being administered to a horse, guilty of an offence”.
Mr Donohoe pleaded not guilty to this charge however after consideration of further submissions the panel were satisfied the charge could be proven and he was formally found guilty.
A further period of disqualification of three years was imposed with respect to this offence to be served concurrent with the penalties outlined above.
During the course of the inquiry Mr Donohoe was also directed to produce documents to Harness Racing Victoria, after analysis of this evidence the panel were satisfied that two tax invoices produced by Mr Donohoe had been altered and issued a charge under the provisions of Rule 187(2) which states:
“A person shall not refuse to answer questions or to produce a horse, document, substance or piece of equipment or give false or misleading evidence or information at an inquiry or investigation”.
Mr Donohoe pleaded not guilty to this charge however after consideration of further submissions the panel were satisfied the charge could be proven and he was formally found guilty.
A disqualification of one year was imposed with regard to this offence and it was ordered that this be served cumulative to all those penalties outlined above bringing the total period of disqualification to be served by Mr Alan Donohoe to a period of six years.
Cameron George
Chairman of Stewards
