Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards, subsequent to their investigation, have issued the following charges against Austy Coffey, as the trainer of ‘Koyuga Breeze’ (the Horse), under Australian Rule of Racing 240(2) and Local Rule 48A.
Charge One: AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting
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(2) Subject to subrule (3), if a horse is brought to a racecourse for the purpose of participating in a race and a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A and/or Prohibited List B is detected in a sample taken from the horse prior to or following its running in any race, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of the horse at any relevant time breaches these Australian Rules.
The particulars of the charge are summarised as follows:
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On 9 April 2024, the Horse was brought to the Swan Hill Racecourse and ran in Race 5, the ‘In Memory of Peter Coady BM58 Handicap over 1600 metres (the Race), with the Horse winning the Race.
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On 9 April 2024, a post-race urine sample was taken from the Horse (the Sample).
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An analysis of the Sample detected the presence of Caffeine and its metabolites Theophylline and Paraxanthine.
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Caffeine is considered a prohibited substance pursuant to Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (Prohibited list B) of the Australian Rules of Racing.
The presence of Caffeine and its metabolites, Theophylline and Paraxanthine, were detected in the Sample by Racing Analytical Services Limited and the Australian Racing Forensics Laboratory.
Caffeine and its metabolites, Theophylline and Paraxanthine, are central nervous system stimulants and are prohibited substances under Australian Rules of Racing when detected in a sample taken from a horse at a race meeting or trial (including an official trial or a jump-out for the purpose of obtaining a permit to start in a race).
Charge Two: LR 48A Permit to provide veterinary services:
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(2) Subject to 48A (3), a trainer must not allow a horse under his or her care that is in training and / or competing in Victoria to receive Veterinary Services unless the person at the time of providing Veterinary Services is a Permitted Veterinarian.
The particulars of the charge are summarised as follows:
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Mr Coffey was, at all relevant times, the trainer of horses Margee’s Field and Miss Blackman (the Horses).
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Between 17 February 2024 and 26 February 2024, at which time the Horses were training and/or competing in Victoria, Mr Coffey allowed the Horses to receive veterinary services from a veterinarian who was not permitted in accordance with LR 48A.
The charges issued against Mr Coffey will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.