20 Oct 2016

In Absence – Martyn Meade

1. The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on 20 October 2016 to consider whether or not Martyn Meade, a licensed trainer, had committed a breach of Rule (G)2.6 of the Rules of Racing, in that prior to racing at Ascot on 15 June 2016 a member of his staff was found in possession of a substance other than normal feed and water in the racecourse stables. The substance in question was Homoplus, a diuretic, which was contained in a sealed syringe.

2. Prior to the enquiry, both parties had agreed that they had no objection to the Panel members sitting and Mr Meade had requested that the matter be heard in his absence. The BHA had no objection and its case was presented by Lauren Robinson.

3. Miss Robinson informed the Panel that the attendant of C NOTE (IRE), trained by Mr Meade, was in possession of a prohibited substance on raceday, however, the Stewards allowed the horse to race but ordered that C NOTE (IRE) be tested after the race. Confirmation has since been received from the laboratory that the sample that was taken had been reported negative for any prohibited substance, and having no wider integrity concerns, the breach of Rule (G)2.6 had been referred to the Panel.

4. The Panel noted a written statement from Mr Meade that stated that he accepted full responsibility for the breach and had since reviewed the procedures in place within his yard and taken various steps to ensure that all his staff were fully aware of the extent of the relevant Rules. He had also put in place a new system to check kit bags which were taken racing and those members of staff that went racing were briefed in further detail.

5. The Panel accepted Mr Meade’s admission and found him in breach of Rule (G)2.6.  The Panel imposed a fine of £1,000 upon him.

Notes to Editors:
1. The Panel for the enquiry was: Philip Curl (Chair), Diana Powles and Ian Stark.