Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards today commenced an inquiry into an Integrity Investigations Team (IIT) report of alleged race day treatment of the Peter Kings-trained Anacheeva Lad who raced at Toowoomba last Saturday May 22.
Anacheeva Lad was scratched from its race and swab samples were taken from the gelding.
Preliminary results show a TCO2 Level in excess of the allowable threshold and Mr Kings will appear at a resumed inquiry when the results of analysis of all samples and several seized items is known.
Stewards also found the Oakey thoroughbred Trainer guilty of a breach of AR231(1)(a) when he was found to be in possession of modified spurs at his registered stables.
The stewards believe the spurs were capable of inflicting cruelty to a horse.
Stewards considered the seriousness of the breach, the negative impact of Mr King’s actions against the racing industry and the need for penalties to serve as a deterrent and he was fined $1000.
Mr Kings was also fined $200 for employing an unlicensed stable-hand.
The Commission’s IIT Team has been out in force around the state since the commencement of the Queensland Winter Carnival conducting breath tests, human sampling, equine hair and urine sampling, veterinary and licence checks and stable inspections as part of a concerted campaign to ensure racing is conducted on a level playing field.
Acting Racing Integrity Commissioner Mark Ainsworth said the IIT team was exerting considerable pressure on the industry to ensure all participants adhered to the rules of racing.
“In the past few weeks there have also been several thoroughbreds identified as not being retired according to their retirement obligations, which is a disappointing outcome,” he said.
“Owners and trainers are reminded that retiring their horses according to the rules of racing is essential and noncompliance can lead to penalties.
“Queensland participants and visiting trainers can expect this scrutiny to continue.”
