Stewards' Report - Jason Warren
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have concluded their investigation into a report they received from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming a positive swab had been provided by the Jason Warren-trained racehorse, Bel Sonic.
The report related to a blood sample taken from Bel Sonic which was brought to the Werribee racecourse on 28 May 2018, to engage in an Official Trial for the purpose of obtaining a re-instatement to start in a race.
RASL reported that the sample contained Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) and Triamcinolone Acetonide (a cortico steroid) which are prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing.
Racing Victoria Stewards issued the following three charges against Mr Warren, as the trainer of Bel Sonic under Australian Rules of Racing 177A and 64H.
Charge One and Charge Two: AR 177A
When a horse is brought to a racecourse or recognised training track to engage in either:
(a) an official trial, or
(b) a jump-out, or
(c) any other test
for the purpose of obtaining a permit to start in a race (whether after suspension or otherwise) and a prohibited substance is detected in any sample taken from it prior to or following such engagement, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of the horse at any relevant time may be penalised.
Mr Warren plead guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR177A, in that on 28 May 2018, Mr Warren brought Bel Sonic to the Werribee racecourse to engage in an Official Trial for the purpose of obtaining a re-instatement to start in a race. When prohibited substances, being Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone were detected in a blood sample taken from Bel Sonic prior to its engagement in Trial 15.
Mr Warren plead guilty to a second charge under the provisions of AR177A, in that on 28 May 2018, Mr Warren brought Bel Sonic to the Werribee racecourse to engage in an Official Trial for the purpose of obtaining a re-instatement to start in a race. When Prohibited substance, being Triamcinolone Acetonide was detected in a blood sample taken from Bel Sonic prior to its engagement in Trial 15.
Charge Three: AR 64H
(1) A horse that has been subjected to any form of shockwave therapy is ineligible to participate in any race, official trial or jump-out at any time during the seven clear days (as defined in AR 1) following midnight on the day on which the shockwave therapy was administered.
(2) Where a horse has been nominated and/or entered for a race, official trial or jump-out, a person must not administer, cause to be administered, attempt to administer or be a party to the administration of any form of shockwave therapy to a horse, at any time within seven clear days (as defined in AR 1) of that race, official trial or jump-out.
(3) A trainer must not enter or permit a horse to participate in any race, official trial or jump-out where the horse has been subjected to any form of shockwave therapy during the seven clear days (as defined in AR 1) prior to the race, official trial or jump-out.
(4) Where a horse has been subjected to, or the Stewards reasonably suspect a horse has been subjected to, any form of shockwave therapy at any time during the seven clear days (as defined in AR 1) prior to the day of a race, official trial or jump-out, the Stewards may order the withdrawal of the horse from the relevant race, official trial or jump-out.
(5) Any person who breaches AR 64H(2), or trainer who breaches AR 64H(3), commits an offence and may be penalised.
Mr Warren plead guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR64H, in that on the 25 May 2018, Bel Sonic was subjected to shockwave therapy to the front left and right suspensory origins. On 28 May 2018, Mr Warren then brought Bel Sonic to the Werribee racecourse to engage in an Official Trial for the purpose of obtaining a re-instatement to start in a race, when it was ineligible to participate, as it was within the seven clear day period of Bel Sonic being subjected to shockwave.
Stewards subsequently fined Mr Warren the sum of $2000 for charge one, $2000 for charge two and $1000 for charge three. In assessing penalty, Stewards took into account Mr Warren’s guilty plea, his forthright evidence, the circumstances surrounding the matter and his good record.
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Stewards' Report - Shane Bottomley
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have today issued two charges against licensed trainer Shane Bottomley for giving evidence at an interview which was false or misleading; and for engaging in misconduct, improper conduct and/or unseemly behaviour in breach of the Australian Rules of Racing.
Charge One: AR 175(g) – Giving evidence at an interview or investigation which is false or misleading in any particular
The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalize:
(g) Any person who gives at any interview, investigation, inquiry, hearing and/or appeal any evidence which is false or misleading in any particular.
Charge Two: AR 175(q) – Conduct which constitutes misconduct and/or improper conduct
The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalise:
(q) Any person who in their opinion is guilty of any misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour.
Stewards allege that on 29 June 2018, during a telephone interview, Mr Bottomley gave evidence which was false or misleading relative to the death of the filly Comanderbrae Bonny (which died whilst in his care).
Further, Stewards allege that on 21 June 2018, after the horse was found deceased that morning, Mr Bottomley engaged in misconduct, improper conduct and/or unseemly behaviour when he:
- performed his own post-mortem examination of the filly without seeking the consent of the owner; and then
- destroyed the carcass without seeking the consent of the owner.
Mr Bottomley will appear before the RAD Board in relation to the above charges on a date to be fixed.