NSW country: Action needed on contamination
By Tim Egan, July 16, 2019 - 11:10 AM

Back on June 29, I reported in this column that Canberra trainer Todd Smart had been fined $5000 by Racing NSW stewards after the prohibited substances metformin and hydrochlorazide had been detected in small quantities in a urine sample taken from his galloper Eurosay after a Canberra win.
The substances, I reported, were believed to have been transferred to the horse by two stablehands who were taking medications containing them.
I can now report a second, similar incident.
Veteran trainer Peter Korn was recently fined $4000 after the prohibited substances tapentadol and metformin were found in post-race urine samples taken from his galloper Uno That after a placing at Kembla Grange in February.
In their report, Racing NSW stewards stated: “The inquiry was unable to determine the cause for the detection of tapentadol (a human pain-relief medication). However, the stewards were satisfied that, on balance, the likely cause for the detection of metformin was due to contamination via Mr Korn, who was prescribed a medication containing metformin.”
Clearly, trainers now need to be aware not only of the presence of prohibited substances in any treatment they may be administering to a horse, but also of prohibited substances contained in medication being taken by anyone coming into contact with their horses, including employees, owners, farriers and float drivers.
How many people are going to be willing to provide details of the medications they may be taking to trainers, given the absence of any guarantee of confidentiality such as that which exists between doctor and patient?
Also, will persons taking medications containing substances prohibited under the rules of racing be banned from coming into contact with horses in training?
These are issues that racing authorites need to address as a matter of urgency.
Blue Jeans a bargain
Goulburn trainer Danny Williams brought up TAB Highway series win number 17 when My Blue Jeans, ridden by Jason Collett, took out Saturday’s edition at Rosehill, a 1400-metre Class 3.
Collett settled his mount midfield and maintained that position until the turn, where he went wide in search of better going.
The grey four-year-old moved up to challenge for the lead near the 200-metre mark and quickly went to the front.
My Blue Jeans ($11) hung on to score by a neck from the fast-finishing Weather Channel, with Scarlet Missile holding on for third.
“We freshened him up after his last start at Wagga Wagga and it seems to have really clicked with him because his work has been outstanding leading into today. I was expecting a bold run,” Williams told media.
“He’s won two Highways and a Canterbury maiden so he’s been a very cheap horse for us. We bought him in Adelaide for $10,000 and syndicated him out.”
Collett said a strong early speed had suited My Blue Jeans.
“He was a touch keen but I knew I was on top of the leaders,” he said.
Pippa goes ping
Ex-WA galloper Agent Pippa ($14) made an auspicious return to racing at Rosehill last Saturday following a 32-week spell.
Now with the powerful Kris Lees stable at Newcastle, the filly displayed exceptional speed to cross from an outside barrier and go straight to the front. From that point, the result was never in doubt.
The three-year-old simply ran her rivals ragged, going to the line strongly to score by two lengths from Deity, who finished the race off strongly without ever threatening.
“We’ve only had Agent Pippa for a short time but she’s shown us some good things in trackwork,” Lees said. “I did think coming into the race over 1100 metres first up she could be a touch vulnerable late, but she was impressive.”
Winning jockey Hugh Bowman explained his daring tactics post-race.
“She’s naturally a very fast horse. Kris said she has a tendency not to breathe too well if you interfere with her rhythm.
“Usually I try to come back and settle them but I felt if I tried to settle her it would upset her rhythm, which I didn’t want to do. It worked out well in the end.”
Truth prevails
Canberra galloper Handle The Truth, trained by Keith Dryden and ridden by Albury apprentice Blaike McDougall, relished the heavy conditions at Rosehill on Saturday in romping away to a 2¼-length win in the 1200-metre benchmark 78.
McDougall settled the $2.70 favourite in fourth spot, where he remained until entering the straight.
When a gap presented he drove his mount through and quickly put paid to the opposition.
The three-year-old has now won six of his 11 starts and $264,420. The victory brought McDougall’s win tally for the season to 102.
Joy for Jim
Coffs Harbour trainer Jim Jarvis capped the Clarence River Jockey Club’s Grafton carnival on a winning note with $1.85 favourite Evopex in last Sunday’s feature, the Maclean Cup.
Matthew McGuren was the winning rider.
The win completed a productive carnival for NSW country and provincial stables.
Attila ($8.50) took the feature sprint on cup day, the Sir James Kirby Handicap (1000m) for Tamworth trainer Sue Grills, with Jason Collett in the saddle.
The main support race on Ramornie day, the Grafton Guineas (1600m), went to Charmed Princess ($2.70), trained at Gosford by Tony Newing and ridden by McGuren.
More cups to come
This Saturday sees the Carinda District Race Club will hold its annual meeting, with the Carinda Cup (1400m) the main race.
Sunday sees the running of the Narrandera Cup (1600m) as well as Coffs Harbour’s Sawtell Cup (1500m).
Black-bookers
Looking for horses to follow, Just A Flash and Ruby Red Heart impressed in winning at Cowra, while Monument at Port Macquarie and Oakfied Target at Wyong also recorded strong wins.

 

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