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Racing NSW Stewards have heard a charge under AR254(1)(a) issued against licensed trainer Mr Cameron Crockett in respect of his admitted use of the Hemoplex, an injectable product that contains cobalt salts.

Stewards considered a brief of evidence prepared by Racing NSW Investigator Mr D. Hadley as well as evidence provided by Mr Crockett.

Charge

AR 254A Administration of cobalt salts by injection

(1) A person must not:

(a) administer a product containing cobalt salts to horse by injection.

The details of the charge being that licensed trainer Mr Cameron Crockett, did at 12.30pm on 12 July 2023, administer by intravenous injection the product Hemoplex, which contains cobalt salts, to the horse Indicative, following that horse having competed in a barrier trial at Muswellbrook on that day.

Plea: Guilty

Stewards considered the following matters when assessing penalty –

1. Nature of the offence & the explanation offered.

2. Mr Crockett’s unblemished record in relation to prohibited substances for horses.

3. Personal and professional circumstances.

4. The fact Mr Crockett had sought clarification from Racing NSW on 16 August 2023 in relation to using Hemoplex and had reported he had used the product.

5. Principle of specific and general deterrence and what message is to be sent to the industry with respect to such conduct.

6. Purpose for issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and integrity of the thoroughbred racing industry.

Stewards believed the starting point for the offence be a fine of $2000. However, having regard for Mr Crockett’s guilty plea and unblemished record in relation to prohibited substances for horses, a $500 reduction of the penalty was considered appropriate.

Also, having regard to the fact Mr Crockett had self-reported his use of the product and subsequently sought clarification to ensure compliance with the Rules of Racing, a further $800 reduction of the penalty was issued. As such Mr Crocket was fined the sum of $700.

Mr Crockett was advised of his appeal rights.