Trainer Mr Shannon Wonson – EPO positive swab
Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) has received a report from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory (HKJC) that EPO has been detected in a pre race blood sample taken from COURAGEOUS KIWI NZ prior to it competing and finishing unplaced in Race 6, the Bohemia Crystal Free for All (2300m) at Menangle on Saturday 26 November 2011.
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The presence of EPO in the blood sample has been confirmed by the HFL Sport Science Laboratory in England.
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This sample was initially screened at the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) which detected a discrepancy and forwarded the sample to HKJC Laboratory for further analytical testing.
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Acting under the provision of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 183, HRNSW has suspended Mr Shannon Wonson trainer’s licence for the following reasons:
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(a) The extremely serious nature of the prohibited substance;
(b) The absolute liability of a trainer for the presence of a prohibited substance;
(c) The existence of a prima facie case against him based on the certificates from HKJC and HFL;
(d) HRNSW’s protective objectives in the course of its core function to control supervise and regulate harness racing in this state.
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Also under the provisions of AHRR 183A COURAGEOUS KIWI NZ will not be permitted to race until the inquiry is concluded.
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An inquiry into this matter has been scheduled for Monday 16 April 2012 commencing at 10am at the offices of HRNSW.