Trainer and Stablehand both outed

Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards have concluded an Inquiry into the conduct of licensed Trainer Ms Tahn Camilleri and Licensed Stablehand Mr Stuart Hunter in relation to the registered standardbred WELL TO DO LOMBO, a horse trained by Ms Camilleri that was engaged to race in race 6, the WALLA WALLA STAKES (2760 metres) at Goulburn on Sunday 6 March 2016.

An investigation was commenced on 6 March 2016 after HRNSW Investigator, Mr Chris Paul, located equipment utilised for the purpose of stomach tubing a horse and other evidence outside the stable of WELL TO DO LOMBO, a short time after he observed Ms Camilleri and Mr Hunter leaving that horses stable.

Evidence was presented to the Inquiry on 9 March 2016 and 4 April 2016 by Ms Camilleri, Mr Hunter, HRNSW Investigator Chris Paul and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Don Colantonio.

On 4 April 2016 the Inquiry was adjourned to allow Stewards to consider the expert evidence of Dr Derek Major on behalf of Ms Camilleri and Mr Hunter.

Following that adjournment, Stewards received a statement from Mr Hunter via his legal representative making admissions regarding the treatment of WELL TO DO LOMBO by him on 6 March 2016 prior to that horse racing at Goulburn.

Consequently, Mr Hunter pleaded guilty to the charge previously issued against him pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 193 (1). Stewards did not proceed with charges previously issued against Mr Hunter pursuant to AHRR 193 (7) and 240.

Mr Hunter was disqualified for a period of 20 months to commence from 9 March 2016, the date upon which he was stood down.

In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;

• Mr Hunter’s previous offence record including a number of prohibited substance offences;

• This is Mr Hunter’s first offence of this nature in excess of 40 years as a licensed person;

• The period of time for which Mr Hunter was stood down pending the outcome of the Inquiry;

• Mr Hunter’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.

Stewards found Ms Camilleri guilty of a charge previously issued against her pursuant to AHRR 240. Additional charges previously issued against Ms Camilleri pursuant to 193 (1) and 193 (7) were dismissed.

Ms Camilleri was disqualified for a period commencing on 9 March 2016, the date upon which she was stood down, and expiring at midnight on 30 July 2016.

In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;

• The nature of the offence;

• Ms Camilleri’s absence when the drench was prepared;

• Ms Camilleri’s absence when the stomach tubing of WELL TO DO LOMBO occurred;

• Ms Camilleri’s unblemished training record;

• Numerous character references from licensed persons pertaining to Ms Camilleri’s adherence to the prohibited substance rules;

• The period of time for which Ms Camilleri was stood down pending the outcome of the Inquiry;

• Ms Camilleri’s licence history and other personal subjective factors.

Acting under the provisions of Rule 193 (5), WELL TO DO LOMBO was disqualified from the abovementioned race.

HRNSW