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Letter of the Week

Precedent for impunity?

Re the Ortensia case, are we to be lulled into a false sense of security that no more trainers will be suspended, fined or both after returning positive swabs?

I did not understand that the amount of a drug found in the horse’s system came into the equation going on past suspensions and disqualifications — the decision is final.

Here and now we are forced to accept that because a minimal quantity was detected and there was no evidence it was administered by the trainer, there is no penalty.

I know first hand of trainers being dealt with severely to the extent of losing everything — horses, livelihood and health — all because the powers that be did not consider them important enough to listen to.

Surely if this is big enough for the prizemoney to be withheld then the authorities are being very selective in who is suspended and who is not.

Maybe it’s not what you are but who you are.

Julie Hackett
Pearcedale (Vic)
Today's Racing
Friday 29 March
Saturday 30 March
Sunday 31 March