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Racing NSW Stewards today inquired into the detection by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) and Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) of the prohibited substance triamcinolone acetonide in a post-race urine sample taken from Point Out after the gelding won Race 5 (Class 1 & Maiden Plate, 1600m) at Wagga Racecourse on Friday, 1 November 2024.

Evidence was taken from the trainer of Point Out, Ms Lauri Parker, Racing NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Carly Carling and ARFL General Manager, Mr John Keledjian.

The evidence established that Ms Parker, in consultation with her stable veterinarian, authorised the intra-articular administration of the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide into two joints in the left stifle of Point Out on 22 October 2024, 9 clear days prior to the gelding running at Wagga on 1 November 2024.

The administration of triamcinolone acetonide was done in accordance with the provisons of AR87(1), which prohibits a horse from racing within 8 clear days of the intra-articular administration of a corticosteroid.

Charge – AR240(2)

The details of the charge being that licensed trainer Ms Lauri Parker did bring Point Out to Wagga Racecourse on Friday, 1 November 2024 for the purpose of participating in Race 5 (Class 1 & Maiden Plate, 1600m) and the prohibited substance triamcinolone acetonide was detected in a post-race urine sample taken from Point Out following the gelding placing first in that event.

Plea - Guilty

Penalty

In assessing penalty stewards considered the following matters:

• Guilty plea and co-operation with Racing NSW during the investigation
• Ms Parker’s personal and professional circumstances
• Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct
• Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry

Stewards believe the appropriate penalty be a fine of $6,000. Having regard to her guilty plea, personal circumstances and other mitigating factors a $3,000 fine was imposed.

Point Out

Acting under the provisions of AR240(1), Point Out was disqualified from its first placing in Race 5 (Class 1 & Maiden Plate, 1600m) conducted at Wagga Racecourse on 1 November 2024 and the placings were amended as follows:

1st - Drunken Sailor
2nd - Scarli Japali
3rd - Marks Icon
4th - Wings Of Carmen
5th - Check Side

Racing NSW Stewards take this opportunity to remind veterinarians and trainers that the minimum stand down time of 8 clear days, under AR87(1), after an intra-articular injection is intended as a minimum period before participating in a race, official trial or jumpout.

This stand down period must not be confused with a recommended withdrawal period required to ensure a horse is presented to race without the presence of a prohibited substance.

The recommendation of an appropriate withdrawal time must take into consideration all factors relating to the individual case presentation, including route and location of administration and substance administered.

Relevant Rules

AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting.

- Tom Moxon (Deputy Chairman of Stewards, Racing NSW)