Racing WA stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports from ChemCentre in Perth and Racing Analytical Services Limited (Vic) that arsenic at a concentration above the 0.30ug/ml threshold in urine was detected in a sample taken from Jamie Kim following it racing in, and winning, Race 5 at Gloucester Park on 3 June 2025.
After hearing evidence from Trainer Mr W (Bill) Whyte, ChemCentre representative Dr E Cook and Racing WA Head of Veterinary Services Dr J Medd at the inquiry conducted on Thursday, 24 July 2025, Mr Whyte pleaded guilty to the following charge.
Harness Rules Racing 190 (1), (2) & (4) Presentation free of prohibited substances.
Particulars;
Particulars of the charge being that Mr Whyte, as the trainer, presented Jamie Kim to race at Gloucester Park on 3 June 2025 where it raced in and won Race 5, not free of the prohibited substance arsenic, as evidenced by a concentration of arsenic above the prescribed threshold being detected in a sample taken from it.
Penalty
After considering submissions on penalty, stewards determined to impose a $3000 fine for this offence.
Further acting under the provisions of Rule 195, Jamie Kim was disqualified as the winner of race in question, with placings adjusted and all relevant prizemoney to be returned and redistributed accordingly.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
- Mr Whyte’s guilty plea and personal circumstances.
- That this was his first offence after many years of licensed involvement.
- That the stewards were satisfied that the reported level of arsenic was likely to have arisen due to Jamie Kim ingesting CCA treated pine posts at the property.
- That Mr Whyte had taken several measures to prevent such chewing, which included painting the timbers with a deterrent and installing an electrical wire, but that ultimately these had not succeeded in preventing the horse from continuing to chew the timbers as reflected by the elevated reading of arsenic that was reported.
- 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.
All trainers are again reminded of the industry notice relating to arsenic (notice-to-trainers---arsenic.pdf) and that trainers should seek to eliminate any access to CCA treated timbers.
When taking horses to races or trials from yards where CCA treated timbers are known to be present, trainers should inspect the fencing and withdraw any horses where there is evidence of further or fresh chewing despite any measures taken to discourage/prevent it.