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Shepparton trainer Isabel Walsh has been stripped of victory in the 2024 Inter Dominion Championship Consolation after her pacer Cantfindabettorman NZ (Sweet Lou) returned a positive swab, but she has retained her harness racing trainer’s licence.
Harness Racing New South Wales stewards convened an inquiry on May 7 following confirmation that the prohibited substance heptaminol was detected in Cantfindabettorman NZ’s post-race urine sample taken after the gelding won the TAB Inter Dominion Pacers Consolation at Menangle on December 14, 2024.
The initial findings by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory were later confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited in Victoria.
Heptaminol is a vasodilator and cardiac stimulant that is classified as a Class 3 prohibited substance under the Australian Harness Racing Rules. It can be used therapeutically to treat low blood pressure and improve blood flow, but it is banned on race day due to its potential to enhance performance by increasing heart rate and circulation. Its presence in a race-day sample is strictly prohibited, regardless of intent or therapeutic use.
Walsh appeared before stewards alongside her husband, Peter Walsh, and veterinarian Dr Simon Robinson to provide evidence regarding the stable’s treatment practices and medication records.
She pleaded guilty to presenting a horse to race not free of a prohibited substance under Australian Harness Racing Rules 190(1), (2) and (4).
While the offence typically carries significant consequences, HRNSW stewards imposed a $3000 fine rather than a suspension or disqualification of Walsh’s licence, citing several mitigating factors including:
- It was her first offence of this nature,
- The substance was administered under veterinary guidance,
- Full treatment details were properly recorded in the trainer’s log book,
- She complied with all veterinary advice and HRNSW notices.
Stewards also took into account her cooperation, guilty plea, and clean record in determining the penalty.
Under Rule 195, Cantfindabettorman NZ has been disqualified from the Inter Dominion Consolation, altering the official placings of the December feature.
Walsh retains the right to appeal the decision.
From Harnesslink Media
