Stewards Inquiry-Analyst report swab sample from Aunty Ethal Race 2. Globe Derby Park 4th June 2024.
Stewards Panel. T. T. Styles, I. Devitt, D. Southgate.
Called to inquiry. Trainer of Aunty Ethal Mr. Robin Maguire.
On Thursday 8th August 2024 Harness Racing South Australia inquired into the Analyst Report from Racing Analytical Services Ltd. Victoria on sample V827983 which had detected the presence of the prohibited substance Testosterone in the urine sample taken from Aunty Ethal prior to it competing and finishing 2nd Race 2. K & S Electrical Trotters Handicap run at Globe Derby Park on Tuesday 4th June 2024.
Following a discussion between a RASL Analyst, HRSA Chairman of Stewards and subsequently conferring with Trainer Robin Maguire , Stewards requested that an ultrasound examination be performed on Aunty Ethal.
A transrectal ultrasound was performed on 17th July 2024 which identified an abnormally enlarged ovary in Aunty Ethal.
Blood samples were also taken at this time from Aunty Ethal and after undergoing Pathological examination returned significantly elevated levels of Inhibin and Anti-mullerian Hormone consistent for the diagnosis of a Granulosa Cell tumour in Aunty Ethal.
The Pathological report was tendered as evidence by Stewards along with a letter from HRSA Consulting Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Daniel Sims which stated that in his opinion the Pathological report along with the Ultrasound finding was a plausible explanation for the mare returning elevated levels of hormones.
Following submissions from Trainer Robin Maguire Stewards issued the following charge.
AHRR 190 (1) A horse shall be presented to race free of prohibited substances.
(2) If a horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub-rule (1) the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence.
(4) An offence under sub-rule (2) or sub-rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.
Specifics of the charge “ that as the Trainer of Aunty Ethal you presented the mare at Globe Derby Park on Tuesday 4th June 2024 in Race 2 K & S Electrical Trotters Handicap in which it raced and finished second when it was not free of the prohibited substance Testosterone”.
A plea of guilty was entered by Robin Maguire.
Stewards then gave Mr. Maguire the opportunity to address them as to Aunty Ethal retaining second place in the race and its right to retaining 5th placing from Race 3 Bianco Reinforcing Trotters Handicap at Globe Derby Park on 17th June 2024.
Further he was made aware of AHRR 190AA. (4) When a sample taken at any time from a horse has detected in it an anabolic androgenic steroid the horse is not permitted to start in any race or to be used for the purposes of breeding.
- for a minimum period of 12 months from the date of the collection of the sample in which an anabolic androgenic was detected; and
- only after an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Clearing Certificate is provided in respect of a sample taken from the horse such sample having been taken at a date determined by the Stewards.
Stewards after considering all circumstances of this matter made the following decisions.
Considering his previous exemplary record for offences under presentation rules, his plea of guilty and cooperation at all times that no penalty be recorded against Mr. Maguire.
In respect to Race 2 Globe Derby Park 4th June 2024 Aunty Ethal disqualified as second placegetter and results amended. AHRR 195.
In respect to Race 3 Globe Derby Park 17th June 2024 Aunty Ethal disqualified as 5th placegetter and results amended. AHRR 65.
All Stake money for both races to be forfeited.
Stewards in accordance with AHRR 190AA. (4) (a) (b) stood Aunty Ethal down from racing or breeding purposes effective from 4th June 2024 for period 12months and until such time as a Steroid Clearing Certificate is then tendered.
Stewards informed Mr. Maguire of his appeal rights.
Trevor Styles
Chairman Of Stewards
0400929951 tstyles@saharness.org.au
