HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Steward’s conducted an inquiry today into licensed stablehand Mr Mark Goon, recording a positive sample to Cannabinoids following an activity regulated by a licence at Menangle on Monday 6 August 2018.
Mr Goon pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 250(1)(a) as follows:
AHHR 250A. (1) A person carrying on or purporting to carry on an activity regulated by licence at any time or carrying on official duties at a meeting commits an offence if:
(a) A sample taken from him or her is found upon analysis to contain a substance banned by Rule 251A, or
AHHR 251A. The following substances and/or their metabolites, artifacts, and isomers are declared as banned substances when present in a urine sample (unless otherwise stated) at a concentration above the applicable cut-off level in persons carrying on or purporting to carry on an activity regulated by licence at any time or carrying on official duties at a race meeting:-
(b) All Cannabinoids – substances in this group include, but are not restricted to, 11-Nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (15μg/L)
Mr Goon’s stablehand licence was suspended for a period of six months to commence from 13 August 2018, the date upon which he was stood down. Mr Goon was also provided with an opportunity to have the suspension reduced to 5 months if he completes sessions with a Drug and Alcohol counsellor approved by HRNSW.
Mr Goon was informed that prior to returning as a licenced person he must provide a clear sample free of any substance banned by Rule 251A. Furthermore, Mr Goon will also be required to provide a medical clearance of fitness from his medical practitioner.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
-
Mr Goon’s first offence for such matter;
-
Seriousness of the offence;
-
The substance detected;
-
Mr Goon’s guilty plea, licence history, personal and financial subjective facts.
Mr Goon was advised of his right to appeal this decisions.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gadams@hrnsw.com.au
