The Australian Turf Club senior racing executive Matt Rudolph has been summonsed before a Racing NSW inquiry to show cause why he shouldn’t be charged under the rules of racing for allegedly attempting to alter evidence in the Sam Kavanagh cobalt case.
Racing NSW issued a release on Tuesday that Rudolph has been ordered to appear before a sub-committee of the board.
The honourable Keith Mason AC QC conducted an independent investigation into Rudolph’s actions during Racing NSW’s investigations into how cobalt found its way into Midsummer Sun’s system when the horse won the Gosford Gold Cup in January.
“It will be alleged that Mr Rudolph pressured Mr Kavanagh to withdraw evidence that Dr Tom Brennan, Partner, Flemington Equine Clinic, was the supplier of the 100ml injectable bottle labelled ‘Vitamin Complex’ containing cobalt,” a Racing NSW release read.
Kavanagh is facing 24 charges over the Midsummer Sun scandal and other alleged treatments of horses while Brennan, Flemington Equine Clinic practice manager Arron Corby along with another three people also face multiple charges stemming from the unsavoury matter.
The particulars of Rudolph’s show cause notice are;
1. (Breach 1) Dishonest, corrupt, improper and dishonourable conduct, in connection with racing, by making statements to Sam Kavanagh in connection with the stewards’ inquiry that he either knew to be untrue or for which he had no reasonable basis, contrary to AR 175(a);
2. An attempt to cause Sam Kavanagh to change his evidence to the stewards in connection with that inquiry; which was:
a) (Breach 2) an attempt to obstruct or hinder the stewards in the exercise of their powers or duties (specifically in the Midsummer Sun inquiry) contrary to AR 175 (l) and (t);
b) (Breach 3) misconduct, improper conduct or unseemly behaviour contrary to AR 175 (q), and
c) (Breach 4) conduct prejudicial to the image, interests and welfare of racing contrary to AR 175A.
The inquiry will be held on Wednesday, August 5.
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Clinton Payne