Thoroughbred – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Rickie Brown

Thoroughbred – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Rickie Brown – THE FLIRT – Coolgardie Racing Club, Sunday 5 July 2015

RWWA Stewards today completed their deliberations and determined the matters of penalty in relation to the inquiry into a report received from the ChemCentre in Perth that methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant, was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from THE FLIRT after it won Race 5, the Happy 21st Erin Glasson Handicap (1300m) at the Coolgardie Racing Club on Sunday, 5 July 2015.

This finding was confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.

The inquiry was previously adjourned to allow the Stewards to consider Mr Brown’s submissions in relation to penalty for the following two offences;

Charge 1 – ARR178 for bringing THE FLIRT to the Coolgardie Racing Club to compete in the above race with the prohibited substance methocarbamol being detected in the post-race urine sample taken from the gelding.

Charge 2 – ARR178F for failing to keep records of treatment for THE FLIRT prior to the above race.

In regard to Charge 1 under ARR178, Mr Brown was fined the sum of $6000.

For Charge 2 under ARR178F, Mr Brown was fined the sum of $500.

In considering penalty Stewards took into account the following factors;

• The seriousness of the charge in relation to ARR178
• The nature of the substance detected being classified as a therapeutic treatment
• That Mr Brown was incorrectly advised by his stable veterinarian regarding the recommended withdrawal period for the substance
• His prior record which shows a breach of the same rule in August 1996.

THE FLIRT was disqualified as the winner of the above race under the provisions of ARR177 with the placings amended accordingly.

Brad Lewis
Chief Steward Thoroughbreds
RWWA