22 Aug 2014 Disciplinary Panel - Referrals from Racecourse

George Baker

The Disciplinary Panel of British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on Friday 22 August 2014 to consider an objection to ETON RAMBLER (USA), trained by George Baker, placed second in the Pump Technology Apprentice Handicap Stakes at Newbury on 24 June 2014, on the grounds that the rider, Ryan Tate, having ridden 50 winners or more prior to 21 June 2014 under the Rules of Racing or the Rules of a recognised Racing Authority, was not qualified to ride in this race in accordance with the conditions of the race.

The Panel noted that the BHA was satisfied that no disciplinary action should be taken against Tate.

Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified ETON RAMBLER (USA) from the race, placing EMMAN BEE (IRE) second,  THE DUCKING STOOL third and ROCKWEILLER fourth.

 

Edward de Giles

The Disciplinary Panel of BHA held an enquiry on Friday 22 August 2014 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from PRINCE OF DREAMS, trained by Edward de Giles, by the Stewards at Wincanton after the gelding had finished fifth in the 32Red Thunderstruck II Slot Handicap Chase on 13 April 2014. The sample tested positive for a prohibited substance, in breach of Rule (C)53 of the Rules of Racing.  The Panel also considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the possible disqualification of the gelding.

The urine taken from PRINCE OF DREAMS was found to contain dembrexine, which is a prohibited substance. The trainer did not exercise his right to have the ‘B’ sample analysed. After considering the evidence, including a statement from de Giles, the Panel was unable to establish the source of the substance, and could not therefore be satisfied that the administration of the substance was accidental.

The Panel accepted an admission from de Giles that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 and imposed a fine of £1000.

Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified PRINCE OF DREAMS from the race.

The Panel also informed de Giles that all the horses in his care may be the subject of examination and the taking of samples for analysis provided for in Rule (A)49 within the next 12 months.

 

Micky Hammond

The Disciplinary Panel of BHA held an enquiry on Friday 22 August 2014 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from VERKO (FR), trained by Micky Hammond, by the Stewards at Sedgefield after the gelding had finished fourth in the Ellen Timney Foundation ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle on 16 April 2014. The sample tested positive for a prohibited substance, in breach of Rule (C)53 of the Rules of Racing. The Panel considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the possible disqualification of the gelding.

The urine taken from VERKO (FR) was found to contain phenylbutazone, which is a prohibited substance. The trainer did not exercise his right to have the ‘B’ sample anaylsed. After considering the evidence, including a statement from Hammond, the Panel agreed that on the balance of probabilities, in light of the horse stabled in the box next to VERKO (FR) being due to receive a dose of Equipalazone (Bute) on 14 April 2014, that the most likely source of the positive finding was as a result of a mix up in the feeding and the dose of bute given to VERKO (FR) in error.

The Panel accepted an admission from Hammond that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 and imposed a fine of £1000.

Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified VERKO (FR) from the race placing STEADY PROGRESS (IRE) fourth.

The Panel also informed Hammond that all the horses in his care may be the subject of examination and the taking of samples for analysis provided for in Rule (A)49 within the next 12 months.

 

Ludlow Racecourse

The Disciplinary Panel of BHA on Friday 22 August 2014 held an enquiry to consider whether or not Ludlow Race Club Limited, the Managing Executive of Ludlow Racecourse, had committed a breach of Rule (F)15.2.3. of the Rules of Racing, in light of BHA General Instruction 10.1 para 18, headed “Starting Arrangements, Farriers and Advance Flag Operators (AFOs)”, in that after the Starter raised his flag to signal a false start to the second race at Ludlow on 11 May 2014, the AFO failed to raise the yellow recall flag and blow his whistle so as to advise the riders that it was a false start. As a consequence of the AFO’s failure, the race had to be declared ‘void’.

The panel noted that due to the circumstances of the start and the short distance to the first fence, the time available to the AFO to carry out his duties was restricted.

Having considered the evidence, the Panel found that the Executive was in breach of Rule (F)15.2.3.

The Panel fined the Executive £2750.

 

Notes to editors:

1. The Panel for the enquiries was: Philip Curl (Chair), Jeremy Barlow, Roger Bellamy.