PRESS RELEASE CHARLES CAMILLERI - $1000 FINE Stewards today inquired into a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, that the post race urine sample taken from Takara Lana after that horse competed in Race 2 NTS Pace 2030m at Newcastle on 12 March, 2009 showed the presence of the prohibited substance Altrenogest. Evidence today was taken from Charles Camilleri, the trainer of Takara Lana and Arron Goadsby, the stable hand who was in charge of Takara Lana when it was swabbed. Written evidence was tendered by Dr Graham Doherty the Veterinarian who advised Charles Camilleri and by Dr Craig Suann, Senior Veterinarian assisting the ARFL. Charles Camilleri pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 190 (1) (2) & (4), in that as the trainer of Takara Lana on the abovementioned date, he presented that horse to race and a post race urine sample taken from Takara Lana was found, upon analysis, to show the presence of the prohibited substance Altrenogest. The evidence disclosed that Charles Camilleri had treated Takara Lana with a registered veterinary product Regemate, which is used to manage the seasonal cycle of fillies and mares in training. It was established that the course of treatment was only commenced after he had sought professional veterinary advice, being that Regemate was not a prohibited substance under the rules of racing. This professional advice was, however, incorrect. After considering all the evidence including Charles Camilleri’s excellent training record over a period of 40 years, and his forthright evidence he was fined $1000. Acting under Rule 195 Takara Lana was disqualified from the abovementioned race and the placings amended to. 1st Miss Labretta 2nd Caitlyn Belle 3rd Maddys Spirit 4th Miss Shinboner MICHAEL BEATTIE Chair, Stewards June 10, 2009 |
