On 11 November 2021, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) considered a charge issued by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards against former licensed trainer Peter O’Brien under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190(1).
AHRR 190(1) reads as follows:
A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
The charge related to a pre-race blood sample collected from the horse ‘Graceful Art’ prior to it competing in Race 3 at the Mildura harness racing meeting on 30 March 2021. Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) reported that the sample to contained alkalinising agents, a prohibited substance when evidenced by a total carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentration in excess of the allowable threshold.
Mr O’Brien pleaded not guilty.
After considering submissions from both parties, the VRT found Mr O’Brien guilty of the charge before hearing further submissions on penalty.
Penalty
The VRT imposed an 18 month disqualification, to commence immediately.
The VRT also ordered that, under AHRR 195, ‘Graceful Art’ be disqualified from the relevant race.
VRT Panel: Magistrate John Doherty and Robert Abrahams
The written decisions of the VRT can be found here.
(Please note that VRT Decisions will generally be published within 7-10 days of the date of hearing)