18 Sep 2014 Disciplinary Panel - Referrals from Racecourse

Michael Dods

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on Thursday 18 September 2014 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from GOWANHARRY (IRE), trained by Michael Dods, by the Stewards at Nottingham after the filly had finished unplaced in the New Racing UK Anywhere Available Now Fillies’ Handicap on 29 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 filly.

The urine taken from GOWANHARRY (IRE) was found to contain caffeine, which is a prohibited substance. The trainer exercised his right to have the ‘B’ sample analysed at Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques which confirmed the original finding. After considering the evidence, including a written submission from Dods and his veterinary surgeon, Philip Cramp, 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 Dods that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 and imposed a fine of £1,000 upon him.

Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified GOWANHARRY (IRE) from the race.

The Panel informed Dods 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.

 

Nigel Twiston-Davies

The Disciplinary Panel of the BHA held an enquiry on  Thursday 18 September 2014 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from BUDDY LOVE, owned by Nigel Twiston-Davies, by the Stewards at Towcester after the mare had pulled-up in the Haygain Hay Steamers Clean Healthy Forage Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle on 10 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 in respect of the possible disqualification of the mare.

The urine of the horse was found to contain omeprazole, which is a prohibited substance. The trainer did not exercise his right to have the ‘B’ sample analysed. After considering the evidence, including written submissions from Twiston-Davies and his veterinary surgeon, Mr Ben Brain, 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 and that the trainer had taken all reasonable care.

The Panel accepted an admission from Twiston-Davies that he was in breach of Rules (C)53 and imposed a fine of £1,000 upon him.

Under Rule (A)74, the Panel disqualified BUDDY LOVE from the race, placing JIGSAW FINANCIAL (IRE) second, PRINCE FREDDIE third and THINGER LICHT (FR) fourth.

The Panel informed Twiston-Davies 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.

 

Notes to editors:

1. The Panel for the enquiries was: Lucinda Cavendish (Chair), Celina Carter, Jeremy Barlow.