Racing WA

Harness stewards’ inquiry – Trainer Jocelyn Young (Steno)

26 May 2025

Racing WA stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports from ChemCentre in Perth and Racing Analytical Services Limited (Vic) that dexamethasone had been detected in the following sample:

  • Sample taken from Steno following it racing in, and winning, Race 3 at Gloucester Park on 7 February 2025.

After hearing evidence from Trainer Ms J Young, ChemCentre representative Ms E Cook, Racing WA Head of Veterinary Services Dr J Medd and Racing WA Senior Investigator Mr P Criddle, Ms Young pleaded guilty to the below charges for which fines as detailed were issued;

Charge 1. Rules 190 (1), (2) & (4).

Particulars;

That Jocelyn Young as the licensed trainer presented Steno to race in Race 3 at Gloucester Park on 7 February 2025 where it raced and finished first, not free of the prohibited substance dexamethasone.

Ms Young was fined the sum of $5000.

Charge 2. Rule 190B(1)(b).

Particulars;

That Jocelyn Young as the licensed trainer did fail to comply with the provisions of 190B (1) (b) by not recording any treatments of dexamethasone administered to Steno from 1 February 2025, as required by that rule.

Ms Young was fined the sum of $500.

Further acting under the provisions of Rule 195, Steno was disqualified as the winner of Race 3 at Gloucester Park on 7 February 2025 with placings adjusted and all relevant prizemoney to be returned and redistributed accordingly.

When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:

  • Ms Young’s pleas of guilty and personal circumstances.
  • Ms Young’s clean record in relation to prohibited substances.
  • 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 190(1), (2) & (4) which was directed to ensuring a level playing field and maintaining the necessary confidence of those supporting or involved in the racing industry.
  • The importance of trainers maintaining records of all treatments to racehorses.
  • Precedence in past cases.