Racing WA Stewards yesterday concluded the inquiry into the report received from the ChemCentre in Perth that arsenic at a concentration above 0.30 micrograms/millilitre in urine was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from MADDY MADDY after it won Race 2 at Northam on 3 August 2024.
After hearing evidence from trainer H Reeves, ChemCentre Analyst Dr. B Dorakumbora, RWWA Head of Regulatory Veterinary Services Dr J Medd and RWWA Senior Investigator Mr A Walton, trainer H Reeves pleaded guilty to a charge under HRR 190 (1), (2) and (4)
Particulars:
“That Mr Hayden Reeves, as the trainer, presented MADDY MADDY to race at the Northam Harness meeting on 3 August 2024 where the mare raced and won Race 2, not free of the prohibited substance arsenic as evidenced by a concentration of arsenic above 0.30 micrograms per millilitre in urine being detected in a post-race urine taken from MADDY MADDY.”
Further, Mr Reeves pleaded guilty to a charge under HRR 190B(1) for failing to maintain his treatment log book.
Regarding the penalty, Stewards considered, among other things:
Mr Reeves acknowledgement of the breach as evidenced by his guilty plea and his personal circumstances.
Mr Reeves record in relation to prohibited substance rules with a prior breach in relation to arsenic in 2019.
The circumstances of this matter, where Mr Reeves has an extensive number of arsenic-treated posts at his training establishment and there was unambiguous evidence that MADDY MADDY ingested arsenic treated timber in her yard, shown by partially chewed posts. This had occurred after the mare had been shifted from her normal paddock to an adjoining yard due to heavy rain.
Mr Reeves had taken some precautions to prevent horses’ ingestion of arsenic by painting treated pine fencing with a commercial product to deter horses from consuming them, and electrifying the fences of most areas where horses were located.
The Stewards were satisfied that the reported levels of arsenic were consistent with the horse in question ingesting part of the treated pine posts.
There were no products on Mr Reeves training establishment containing arsenic.
Precedence in relation to past similar matters and that any penalty required a deterrent factor, both specific and general.
Previous warnings to participants that future action taken by the stewards in matters relating to the presentation of horses with arsenic levels which exceed the threshold may result in penalties being imposed, regardless of any evidence relating to the ingestion of treated timber products.
Despite warnings being issued, offences in relation to the detection of arsenic are continuing to occur which requires suitable penalties to further encourage all trainers to take appropriate precautions to prevent horses exceeding the prescribed level.
Taking all matters in account, the Stewards determined the appropriate penalty for the offence under HRR 190(1), (2) and (4) was a fine of $3000 with $1000 of this fine to be suspended for 12 months on the condition that Mr Reeves did not breach any prohibited substance rules in relation to the detection of arsenic in that period. Should any further breach occur within that period the balance of the fine will be payable together with any subsequent penalty that may be issued for the further offence.
Mr Reeves was also issued a fine of $500 for the offence under HRR 190B(1).
Acting under the provisions of HR 195, MADDY MADDY was disqualified from the race in question and the Stewards directed the placings be amended accordingly, with commensurate implications for stake money.