Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into reports from ChemCentre in Perth and the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory (Vic) that dexamethasone was detected in the sample taken from Cheeky Charlotte, trained by Luke Fernie, following it competing in and winning Race 4 at Belmont on 14 February 2024.
After hearing evidence from Mr Fernie, ChemCentre representative Dr B Dorakumbora, RWWA Head of Veterinary Services Dr J Medd and RWWA Investigator Mr B Bird, Mr Fernie pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Charge 1: Australian Rule of Racing 240 (2) Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting.
Particulars:
That Mr Fernie was the licensed trainer of Cheeky Charlotte when it was brought to race at Belmont on 14 February 2024, where it raced in and won Race 4, with the prohibited substance dexamethasone, being a Prohibited List B substance, detected in a post-race urine sample taken from that filly.
Mr Fernie was fined $6000.
Charge 2: Australian Rule Racing AR 104 Trainers must keep treatment records.
Particulars:
That Mr Fernie as the licensed trainer did fail to comply with the provisions of AR 104 by not recording any treatments administered to horses for the month of February 2024 as required by that rule.
Mr Fernie was fined $750.
Further acting under the provisions of AR 240 (1), Cheeky Charlotte was disqualified as the winner of Race 4 at Belmont on 14 February 2024 and placings adjusted accordingly, with all relevant prize money to be returned and redistributed accordingly.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
- Mr Fernie’s pleas of guilty and personal circumstances.
- Mr Fernie’s record with these being his second offence regarding breaches of the prohibited substance and treatment record rules.
- The nature of the prohibited substance detected, namely dexamethasone which is an anti-inflammatory substance and a therapeutic agent.
- The intent and purpose of the Rule, which was directed to ensuring a level playing field and maintaining the necessary confidence of those supporting or involved in the racing industry.
- Precedence in past cases.