Rod Millman

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority on 16th August 2012 considered an appeal lodged by Rod Millman, the trainer of SHAHDAROBA (IRE), placed first in the Navigation At Newark/British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes, against the decision of the Stewards at Leicester on 1st August 2012 to find that SHAHDAROBA (IRE) had accidentally interfered with HERBALIST, placed second, but that the interference had improved SHAHDAROBA (IRE)’s placing, and to reverse the placings.

The Panel heard evidence from Rod Millman, James Millman, the rider of SHAHDAROBA (IRE) and Dane O’Neill, the rider of HERBALIST. It also viewed video recordings of the race and the photo-finish print.

The Panel found that just after the one furlong marker SHAHDAROBA (IRE) drifted left handed causing accidental interference to HERBALIST who was hanging right handed at the time.

The Panel agreed that this accidental interference did not improve SHAHDAROBA (IRE)’s placing and therefore upheld the appeal placing SHAHDAROBA (IRE) first and HERBALIST second.

Keith Reveley

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority held an enquiry on 16th August 2012 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from EYRE SQUARE (IRE), trained by Keith Reveley, by the Stewards at Newcastle after the gelding had been pulled up in the Betfred Eider (a Handicap Steeple Chase) on 25th February 2012. The Panel also considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the possible disqualification of the gelding.

The sample taken from EYRE SQUARE (IRE) was found to contain atenolol, which is a prohibited substance. The trainer did not exercise his right to have the ‘B’ sample analysed. After considering the evidence, including a submission from Reveley, 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.

The Panel accepted an admission from Reveley that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 and fined him £750. Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified EYRE SQUARE (IRE) from the race.

In absence:

Mahmood Al Zarooni

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority held an enquiry on 16th August 2012 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from two horses trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni:

1. MARINER’S CROSS (IRE), at Newmarket after the colt finished first in the Swan At Lavenham Wood Ditton Stakes on 19th April 2012, and

2. LYRIC OF LIGHT, at Newmarket after the filly was unplaced in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas Stakes (British Champion Series) on 6th May 2012.

The Panel also considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the possible disqualification of the two horses.

The samples taken from MARINER’S CROSS (IRE) and LYRIC OF LIGHT were found to contain propoxyphene, which is a prohibited substance. The analysis of the ‘B’ samples confirmed the original findings. After considering the evidence, including written statements from Mahmood Al Zarooni, 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.

The Panel accepted an admission from Mahmood Al Zarooni that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 on both occasions and imposed a fine of £1,000 for each breach. Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified MARINER’S CROSS (IRE), placing MUKHADRAM first, FLUCTUATE (USA) second, HILL STREET (IRE) third and BUNRAKU fourth in the Swan at Lavenham Wood Ditton Stakes. The Panel also disqualified LYRIC OF LIGHT from the QIPCO 1000 Guineas Stakes (British Champions Series).

Various Trainers

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority on 16th August 2012 considered the ongoing record of breaches committed since 1st January 2012 by the trainers listed below in respect of their failures to ensure compliance with the sponsorship guidelines for their respective yards. Under Rule (A)39 of the Rules of Racing the Panel imposed the following fines:

Tony Carroll £150
David Evans £150
Ronald Harris £150

Notes to Editors

The Panel for the hearings was Nicky Vigors (Chair), Philip Curl and William Barlow.