Racehorse TALK

Trainer Timothy Grace Suspended For Two Months [01/07/2009]


Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the Analyst's finding of the prohibited substance hydrocortisone at a mass concentration in excess of 1.00 milligrams per litre in the urine sample taken from Philistine following that gelding's win in the Tocumwal Golf Club Rating 57 Handicap at the Tocumwal Race Club meeting on Saturday, 11th April 2009.

Evidence was today taken from trainer Timothy Grace of Benalla, Victoria, and from owners Mrs Julie Grace and Leonard Boyd. 

Racing NSW Senior Official Veterinarian, Dr Craig Suann, and Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory Director, Andrew Vandasz, (by telephone) assisted the inquiry. Evidence was also given by Southern Districts Racing Association Swab Official, Neil Gorman.

Acting under the powers of AR177 Philistine was disqualified from its first placing in the Tocumwal Golf Club Rating 57 Handicap and the placings amended to read:-

1. Mummacass
2. Aces Full
3. Bombouche
4. Simon Town 

Timothy Grace was found guilty of a charge under AR178 of having brought a horse to the racecourse to engage in a race whereby a prohibited substance was detected in a sample taken subsequent to the event. 

After taking into account Mr Grace's prior clean record, his personal and professional circumstances and his co-operation with the inquiry, a penalty of a two-month suspension of his trainer's licence was issued. 

Consequently Mr Grace will be eligible to resume training on Tuesday, 1st September 2009.

Mr Grace and the owners of Philistine were advised of their rights of appeal.