Reed disqualified for two years

Perth Turf Talk | Metropolitan Racing | Thu 8 November, 2012

Harness - Conclusion of Stewards Inquiry – Trainer M Reed – TAIAHA NZ

RWWA Stewards today concluded the adjourned inquiry into the charge issued on 19 March 2012 against Mr M. Reed under Harness Rule of Racing 190(1), with the particulars of the charge being that as the licensed Trainer of TAIAHA NZ he presented it to race at Gloucester Park on Friday 7 October 2011 with the prohibited substance alkalinising agents, evidenced by total carbon dioxide being present at a concentration in excess of 36 mmol/L in plasma being detected in the post race blood sample taken from the gelding. Mr Reed had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.
At the Stewards inquiry last conducted on Monday 20 September 2012 after deliberation, it was the unanimous decision of the Stewards that the particulars of the charge laid on 19 March 2012 under Harness Rule of Racing 190(1) had been sustained and accordingly Mr Reed was found guilty as charged.
During the proceedings on 20 September 2012, the matter proceeded in Mr Reed’s absence due to his illness and was eventually adjourned at the request of his counsel to enable the production of character references and a comprehensive written submission addressing the question of penalty. Such submission was to be provided to the Stewards by close of business Friday 28th September 2012, however was not received until 19 October 2012.
After consideration the Stewards unanimously determined in relation to the offence to impose a disqualification for a period of two years which shall be dated to take effect as of the 23 April 2012, that being the date Mr Reed’s licence was effectively suspended by the Stewards.
In regards to penalty the Stewards took into account: Mr Reed’s personal circumstances The seriousness of the offence The nature of the prohibited substance, being classed as potentially performance enhancing The high levels in this case reported by the Chem Centre as being 38.5mm/l, with Racing Analytical Services (Vic)as reporting 39.0mm/l. That this was Mr Reed’s third offence relating to TCO2, with his most recent previous offence occurring in September 2010 wherein he was disqualified for 6-months which expired in April 2011 only some 6-months before the race in question.
Under the provisions of Rule 195 TAIAHA NZ has been disqualified from Race 1 the See The Cup Movie Pathway Series Pace (1700MS) at Gloucester Park on Friday 7 October 2011 and the placings amended accordingly.
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