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Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into two Analyst's findings of Meloxicam in a pre-race blood sample taken from Koondeeman prior to that gelding placing 5th in Race 8 (Benchmark 58 Handicap, 1100m) at Armidale Racecourse on Sunday, 3 December 2023.

Evidence was taken from the trainer of Koondeeman, John Shelton, NRRA Investigator Matthew Johnson, ARFL General Manager John Kelejian and RNSW veterinary officers Dr Carly Garling and Dr Peter Curl.

Charge – AR245(1)(a) Administration of prohibited substance in sample taken from horse before / after running in race

The details of the charge being that he did administer the prohibited substance Meloxicam to Koondeeman which was detected in a pre-race blood sample collected from the gelding prior to it running in Race 8 (Benchmark 58 Handicap, 1100m) at Armidale Racecourse on Sunday, 3 December 2023.

Plea: Not Guilty
Finding: Guilty

Stewards considered the following matters in respect to penalty –

1. Licence history.
2. Disciplinary history, in particular that this is the second time Mr Shelton has offended in this manner.
3. Personal and professional circumstances.
4. The nature and circumstances of the offence.
5. Precedent penalties.
6. Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct.
7. Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the thoroughbred racing industry.

Penalty

Appreciating such matters, Stewards issued a fine of $10,000. As Mr Shelton pleaded not guilty to the charge issued, he was not entitled to any further reduction.

Acting under the requirements of AR240(1), Koondeeman was disqualified from its 5th placing in Race 8 (Benchmark 58 Handicap, 1100m) conducted at Armidale Racecourse on 3 December 2023 and the placing’s were amended as follows:

1st - Nosey
2nd - The Affirmative
3rd - Yamabushi
4th - Endless River (NZ)
5th - Shikanic

Relevant Rules

AR245 Administration of a prohibited substance in sample taken from horse before/after running in race
(1) A person must not:
(a) administer a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A and/or Prohibited List B to a horse which is detected in a sample taken from the horse prior to or following the running or a race.

AR240(1) – Subject to subrule (3), if a horse is brought to a racecourse and a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A and / or Prohibited List B is detected in a sample taken from the horse prior to or following its running in any race, the horse must be disqualified from any race in which it started on that day.