I hope that by clearing up a few facts your blood temperature may drop a little.
The drug in question was RANITIDINE rather than DMSO.
The trainer pleaded guilty to the charge relative to negligence in not ensuring the feed bin was clean leaving the JCA to impose a minimal fine and disqualify the horse as is mandatory with no discretion. I was surprised the on course trainer was not charged but I guess he had broken only club / raceway rules of not ensuring his boxes were clean to the required standard.
The charges were laid by HRNZ in the days prior to the creation of the RIU so the RIU's boss who by the way for those who don't know is a true blue okker ego etc is hardly a factor.
Quote Originally Posted by Don Corleone View Post
There was also a case last season down my way whereby a horse was disqualified due to the trainer being allocated a box at a course where the local on-course trainer had been using DMSO. Subsequently the horse returned a positive. It was proved beyond doubt that the trainer had not broke any rules - however his horse was disqualified and he was fined. The most stupid ruling I had heard of until this one to Lance and SU.
I have kept out of the debate over this simply because it makes my blood boil. The head of the RIU has a ego as big as his head and other parts of his anatomy.