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.