Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the administration of alkalinising agents to the horses Nugget Of Truth and Ardent Bliss.

Steven Connor, trainer of Nugget Of Truth and Ardent Bliss, was interviewed by HRV Stewards on 19 October 2021 concerning Nugget Of Truth returning an elevated TCO2 level when sampled at Charlton on 14 October 2021 and the husbandry practices adopted leading into this engagement.

Mr Connor provided further evidence to the inquiry in relation to the husbandry practices he adopted, and the evidence provided during a stable inspection conducted on 19 October 2021 was considered.

After consideration of all the evidence Mr Connor was issued with two charges.

Charge one was issued under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 196C(1)(a) which states:

196C.  (1)   A person must not administer an alkalinising agent in any manner to a horse which is engaged to run in a race:

(a)  at any time on the day of the scheduled race and prior to the start of the race;

The particulars of the charge being:

On 5 September 2021, as the trainer of Nugget Of Truth and Ardent Bliss, he administered an alkalinising agent via their feed to these runners prior to their engagement on this date at the Shepparton race meeting.

Charge two was issued under the provisions of AHRR 196C(1)(b)

196C.  (1)   A person must not administer an alkalinising agent in any manner to a horse which is engaged to run in a race:

(b)  at any time within one (1) clear day of the commencement of the race.

On 13 October 2021, as the trainer of Ardent Bliss and Nugget Of Truth, he caused an alkalinising agent to be administered via their feed to these runners within one clear day of their engagement at the Charlton race meeting on 14 October 2021.

Mr Connor pleaded guilty to both charges.

In assessing penalty Stewards took into account:

  • Mr Connor’s guilty plea and admissions provided;
  • Mr Connor’s clear industry record over approximately 30 years;
  • Any penalty imposed must demonstrate the importance of only administering substances within the permitted timeframe determined by the AHRR.

Stewards accordingly imposed the following penalties:

Charge 1:  $5,000 fine with half of the penalty suspended for a period of 2 years providing there are no further breaches of the rule.

Charge 2: $2,000 fine

Stewards further ordered in accordance with the mandatory provisions of Rule 196C(3) that Nugget Of Truth and Ardent Bliss be disqualified from their engagements at Shepparton on 5 September 2021 and Charlton on 14 October 2021.

Mr Connor was advised of his right of appeal.