Undue's Trainer Escapes Penalty Over Swab
- Tuesday, 20 May 2008 00:00
Stewards today concluded the inquiry into the analysts report, on the swab sample taken from Linkin Park subsequent to the gelding winning the Mysteel Roofing Solutions Handicap run at Fannie Bay Racecourse on 15th March 2008.
The Analyst had reported that the above swab sample was shown upon analysis to contain Naproxen.
Evidence was taken from Mr. S. Clarke, trainer of Linkin Park and written evidence was tendered from Mr. Andrew Vadasz, Acting Laboratory Director, Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory.
In part the evidence from Mr Vadasz stated that whilst the level of Naproxen detected in the sample was not quantified, it was very low. Further that whilst there are many possibilities as to how the Naproxen entered the horses system it was possible given the level that it was via contamination from Mr. Clarke who is prescribed a Naproxen based medication.
Acting under AR177 stewards disqualified Linkin Park as the winner of the above race.
The amended placings being:
1st Hannys Boy
2nd No More Jazz
3rd Legal Persuit
Mr. Clarke was found guilty of a charge under AR178. The details being that as the trainer of Linkin Park he brought the horse to Fannie Bay Racecourse on 15th March 2008 where the gelding competed in race number 2, a swab sample taken subsequent to the event was shown, upon analysis, to contain the prohibited substance Naproxen.
Stewards considered the evidence before them including but not limited to the evidence tendered by Andrew Vadasz and Mr. Clarke, evidence that he has been involved in racing for over 30 years with no prior infringement in relation to prohibited substances.
As a result stewards imposed no penalty in relation to the charge.
Media Release - NT Stewards
