Thoroughbred – Stewards’ Inquiry – Licensed Trainer Ms Kellie Kersley – Ascot Racecourse Trackwork on Tuesday, 17 March 2015.
RWWA Stewards yesterday afternoon continued the adjourned inquiry into a report received from Stewards Investigative Officer, Ms Taleah Moult regarding a direction given by her to licensed trainer, Ms Kellie Kersley to provide a urine sample at Ascot Trackwork on Tuesday, 17 March 2015.
On advice that Ms Kersley had not provided a urine sample by the close of trackwork that morning, a letter was written to her confirming that a direction was given by Ms Moult for her to provide a urine sample and that she was to contact the Chief Steward Thoroughbreds, Mr Brad Lewis to attend an inquiry into the above matter. The letter further stated that Ms Kersley’s trainer’s licence was suspended by Stewards acting under the provisions of LR.10(d) pending the outcome of this inquiry.
An inquiry was then commenced on Friday, 27 March 2015 and after taking evidence from Ms Moult, Ms Kersley and Perth Racing Trackwork Officials it was adjourned to allow for further evidence to be presented. The inquiry then resumed on Tuesday, 31 March 2015 where Ms Kersley provided further evidence and it was then adjourned to allow Stewards to consider all of the evidence.
During the inquiry, Ms Kersley stated that she had returned to Ascot Racecourse after completing her riding commitments at approximately 8.45am that morning, however she was unable to locate any officials in the same area that the direction was given. A short time later, Ms Kersley attended the offices of Perth Racing and requested to see the Chief Steward Thoroughbreds, Mr Brad Lewis but he was unavailable and she then left the office without making contact with any RWWA official. Ms Kersley’s attendance at the offices of Perth Racing was subsequently confirmed with office staff but was not communicated to RWWA officials.
In consideration, given that there were RWWA officials at the offices for Ms Kersley to comply with the direction, Stewards were of the opinion that she did not make sufficient attempt when present at the offices of Perth Racing to contact any other RWWA official after the Chief Steward Thoroughbreds was unavailable and despite reading the letter later that day, did not return to the offices or attempt to contact the Chief Steward Thoroughbreds to arrange compliance with the direction and she was found guilty to a charge under AR 81A (1) (b) for failing to provide a urine sample as directed.
After hearing submissions from Ms Kersley, the inquiry was adjourned to allow Stewards to consider the matter of penalty with the previous order under LR.10 (d) remaining in place.
Brad Lewis
Chief Steward Thoroughbreds
RWWA