Harness – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Michael Reed – RYCROFT NZHarness & Greyhounds

TheDiva

RWWA Stewards yesterday concluded the adjourned inquiry into the report from the ChemCentre in Perth, that phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone has been detected in the blood sample taken from RYCROFT NZ at 152 Talbot Road Hazelmere on 10 August, 2014 after it had competed at the official trials at Byford Trotting Training Complex that day.

The previous sitting of the inquiry on 14 November 2014 was adjourned by the Stewards in order for additional analytical evidence to be brought forward from the laboratories.

At the resumption today, further evidence was heard from the Trainer of RYCROFT NZ, Mr Michael Reed, RWWA Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd and ChemCentre Operations Manager, Mr Charles Russo in regard to the additional analytical evidence. Evidence was also heard from persons called by Mr Reed, including Mr Mark Reed, Mr Percy Johnson and Mr & Mrs J Milentis.

After considering all the evidence Stewards found Mr Reed guilty to the following charge:

HRR190(1) & (2) Presentation free of prohibited, with the particulars being that as the trainer, he did present RYCROFT to the Byford Official Trials on 10 August 2014 in which it contested Trial 3 that day not free of the prohibited substances Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone.

For this offence Mr Reed was fined $3,500.

Further Mr Reed pleaded guilty to the following charge;

HRR190B Log Books, with the particulars of the charge being that as the trainer, he did fail to record a treatment of phenylbutazone for RYCROFFT in the week prior to 10 August 2014 within his log book and in doing so failed to maintain his log book to the minimum requirements specified within the rule.

For this offence Mr Reed was fined $300.

In relation to penalty Stewards took into account: The seriousness of the charge in relation to rule 190(1). RYCROFT NZ was not trialling due to an embargo and being a trial, no wagering or prizemoney considerations applied The low levels detected and that the prohibited substance is classed as an anti-inflammatory/therapeutic. Mr Reed’s previous record over many years licensed involvement indicating one prior offence in 2009 in relation to a race (SHEER ROYALTY) resulting from an feeding mix-

up involving the substances, Flunixin, Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone for

which he was fined $5,000

Past precedent since inception of RWWA in relation to this substance arising in trials

where the majority have attracted fines.

Under the provisions of Rule 195, RYCROFT NZ was disqualified from the trial in question.

Media Contact:

Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity

Ph: 9445 5427

[email protected]

RIO

i'm confused...I'm going to e-mail all these recent findings off to PETA...running horses whilst on drugs to block pain is obviously a very ethical thing that RWWA are fully supportive of.

rooster321

How do u get 5k first offence then 3.5k second offence ?? Don't make sence yes I know it was a trial but that is irrelevant he still cheated

JayJay

A visit to the stables after the trial to take a blood sample?? Is this a frequent practice or was there a tip off that something wasn't kosha? Low levels detected, it was a trial, it seems like the prime offence is not keeping the records up to date. To me, it seems about right. Its not in the same league as presenting in a race with prizemoney, punters money etc all at risk. Cheating or a stuff up? With a horse like Liberty Belle Midfrew in the stable, I would be taking extreme caution to not end up with an enforced holiday. Would love to have heard Percy's evidence as a well known Midland pharmacist, albeit probably retired. Gotta laugh that it was disqualified from the trial.....a thrashing with a limp lettuce leaf.

SHOVHOG

Disqualified from the trial.... Are these blokes taking the piss ?