19 May 2016

In absence – Harry Fry 

 

1. The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on 19 May 2016 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from NITROGEN (IRE), trained by Harry Fry, by the Stewards at Newbury after the gelding was placed third in the Bet365 Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase on 26 November 2015.  The sample tested positive for a prohibited substance, in breach of Rule (G)2.1 of the Rules of Racing.

 

The Panel also considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 Ground 3 in respect of the possible disqualification of the gelding.

 

2. The Panel noted that Fry had requested that the matter be heard in his absence.  The BHA’s case was presented by Sheena Chohan.

 

3. The urine taken from NITROGEN (IRE) was found to contain butorphanol, which is a prohibited substance.  The trainer exercised his right to have the B sample analysed at LGC which confirmed the original finding.

 

4. Following the positive analysis, BHA Investigating Officers interviewed Fry at his stables on 23 December 2015 and found no substances or products on the yard that appeared to contain butorphanol.  After considering the evidence, including written submissions from Ms Bacchus, National Trainers Federation, Mr Peter Aiken and Elizabeth Shirley Bevan, Fry’s Veterinary Surgeons and Lynn Hillyer, the BHA Veterinary Advisor (Anti-Doping & Medication Control), the Panel was unable to establish the source of the substance, and could not therefore be satisfied that the administration of the substance was accidental and that the trainer had taken all reasonable care.

 

5. The Panel accepted an admission from Fry that he was in breach of Rule (G)2.1 and imposed a fine of £1,000.  It did not order that a contribution be made towards the cost of the B Sample analysis.

 

6. Under Rule (A)74.2 Ground 4, the Panel disqualified NITROGEN (IRE) from the race, placing CHOSEN WELL (IRE) third, THEDRINKYMEISTER (IRE) fourth, HARRISTOWN fifth and GROVE SILVER (IRE) sixth.

 

The Panel directed that any prize money paid out in relation to the above race be returned.

 

In absence – Linda Perratt

 

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on 19 May 2016 to consider whether or not Linda Perratt, a licensed trainer, had committed a breach of Rule (C)17 of the Rules of Racing, in respect of her failure to notify the Racing Calendar Office, by noon 5 days before the horse’s next run, that TAKAHIRO had been gelded.

 

Having considered the evidence, the Panel found Miss Perratt in breach of Rule (C)17 and fined her £200.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Panel for the enquiries was: Philip Curl (Chair), Jeremy Barlow, Ian Stark

 

2. Butorphanol is an opioid drug with analgesic properties which is often used alongside other medication as a sedative. Whilst butorphanol is commonly, and legitimately, used in equine practice for routine procedures such as clipping, it is a prohibited substance on raceday which means it must not be present in a horse’s system on raceday. BHA has issued advice on the formal detection time to trainers and veterinary surgeons; the detection time for butorphanol is 72 hours for a typical dose, based on a particular preparation.

 

Please see below for BHA published detection times:
https://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/PUBLISHED-DETECTION-TIMES-updated-June-29-2015.pdf