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Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred stewards’ inquiry – Trainer Adam Durrant (Queen Of Jerusalem)

26 September 2024

Racing WA Stewards conducted an inquiry on Tuesday 24 September 2024 into reports from the ChemCentre in Perth and the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) (Vic) that 4-hydroxy xylazine was detected in the sample taken from QUEEN OF JERUSALEM, trained by Mr Adam Durrant, following it competing in and winning Race 7 at Bunbury on 11 July 2024.

After hearing evidence from Mr. A. Durrant, ChemCentre representative Dr. N. Beckett, Head of RWWA Regulatory Services Dr. J. Medd and RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr P. Criddle, Mr. Durrant pleaded guilty to the following charge:

Australian Rule of Racing 240 (2) Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting.

Particulars:

Particulars of the charge being that Mr. Adam Durrant, as the trainer presented QUEEN OF JERUSALEM to race at Bunbury on the 11 July 2024, where the mare won Race 7, with 4-hydroxy xylazine a prohibited substance on Prohibited List B, being detected in a post- race urine sample taken from the mare.

Having adjourned the inquiry to consider penalty, Stewards have now determined to impose a fine of $5,000.

Further acting under the provisions of AR 240 (1) QUEEN OF JERUSALEM was disqualified as the WINNER of Race 7 at BUNBURY on 11 July 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 Durrant’s guilty plea and forthright manner in dealing with this issue.
  • Mr Durrant’s record in relation to prohibited substances detection which shows a previous historical breach in 2011.
  • The substance detected was 4-hydroxy xylazine a metabolite of the parent compound xylazine.
  • The nature of the substance involved being one commonly used in racing stables.
  • The circumstances of this matter in that Mr Durrant uses xylazine when shoeing his horses and in all likelihood, QUEEN OF JERUSALEM was inadvertently administered xylazine.
  • 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.