Thoroughbred – Stewards Inquiry – CHILLY RECEPTION (Trainer Mr Andrew Latassa)
RWWA Stewards today inquired into a report from the ChemCentre in Perth, that the pre-race blood sample taken from CHILLY RECEPTION prior to it competing in Race 2, the Variety At The Races Handicap (1500m) at Ascot on 1 November 2014 was found to have a level of total carbon dioxide (TCO2) in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.
This finding was verified by the Racing Science Centre in Queensland.
Evidence was taken from RWWA Principal Investigator Mr Phil O’Reilly, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd, ChemCentre Analyst Mr James White and the Trainer of CHILLY RECEPTION Mr Andrew Latassa who was accompanied by his legal counsel Mr Luka Margaretic.
Mr Latassa pleaded guilty to a charge under ARR.178 with the particulars being that he, as the trainer of CHILLY RECEPTION, provided his direct and written authority for that gelding to be brought to Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, 1 November 2014 for the purposes of engaging in the above race with a level of TCO2 in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma being detected in a pre-race blood sample taken from it.
Further Mr Latassa also pleaded guilty to a charge under ARR.178AA(1)(b) with the particulars being that he administered an alkalinising agent to CHILLY RECEPTION on the evening of Friday, 31 October 2014 which was within one clear day prior to it racing on the above date.
The inquiry was subsequently adjourned to allow Stewards to consider the matter of penalty following submissions being made by Mr Latassa and his legal counsel.
Acting under the provision of ARR.177 CHILLY RECEPTION was disqualified from fifth position in this race with the placings amended accordingly.
Media Contact: Brad Lewis – Chief Steward Thoroughbreds Ph: 9445 5420 brad.lewis@rwwa.com.au