HANSEN HANDED SIX MONTH DISQUALIFICATION

Friday, August 12, 2011

Racing Queensland Limited stewards have finalised an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the analyst’s finding in respect of a pre-race blood sample taken from Hussonator prior to it competing in the Mackay Cup on July 9, 2011.

The matter was adjourned on Thursday, August 4, 2011, to enable the trainer of Hussonator, Mr Darryl Hansen to prepare submissions in respect of penalty following him being found guilty of a breach of AR178.

Today written submissions were tabled at the inquiry and verbal submissions were made by Mr Hansen in respect of penalty for the consideration of stewards.

The submissions received by stewards made it clear that any term of suspension or disqualification would have a significant impact on Mr Hansen and those he supports in his business.

On this basis it was submitted that a monetary penalty would be appropriate.

Stewards were however, conscious of the impact a positive swab sample from a horse has on the image of the sport of thoroughbred racing, particularly in circumstances where the horse involved has been successful in a feature event. Stewards also believe that a penalty should properly represent the gravity of the offence and serve as a deterrent to the individual involved and the wider racing community that offences of this nature will not be tolerated.

After reference was made to previous penalties for offences involving Total Carbon Dioxide, and after taking into account that it was Mr Hansen’s third offence under this rule, stewards believed the appropriate penalty be for Mr Hansen to be disqualified for a period of 6 months, effective immediately.

Mr Hansen was informed of his rights of appeal.

A further hearing concerning the circumstances surrounding the analyst’s findings in respect of a urine sample taken from Essington subsequent to it competing in the Rockhampton Newmarket on Thursday, June 23, 2011 was also conducted by stewards today.

After taking evidence from the trainer of Essington, Mr. Darryl Hansen, stewards issued a charge against him under AR178 to which he pleaded not guilty.

AR178 reads;
When any horse that has been taken to a racecourse for the purpose of engaging in a race and a prohibited substance is detected in any sample taken from it prior to or following its running in any race, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of such horse at any relevant time may be penalized.

The specifics of the charge being that on June 23, 2011, Mr Darryl Hansen, as the trainer of Essington, did present that horse to the Rockhampton Jockey Club, for the purpose of engaging in a race, when a urine sample taken from Essington subsequent to its running in that race, did reveal the presence of a prohibited substance, namely prednisone.

After further evidence from Mr Hansen was considered, stewards found him guilty of the charge as particularised.

After considering penalty submissions made by Mr Hansen, stewards believed the appropriate penalty to be a fine of $10,000.

Acting under the provisions of AR177, Essington was disqualified from its first placing in the Rockhampton Newmarket with the amended placings to read: 1 Perugin Thought; 2 Favela Star; 3 Hyde Park; 4 Cocktail Supreme.

* Darryl Hansen confirmed this morning that the appeal process against the disqualification imposed on him yesterday is already underway.

“I’m not moving from my position. I plan to clear my name. I am not guilty and hopefully we can prove that in the Appeal Court.”

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