Non Raceday Ruling – Written Decision dated 26 August 2022 – TAZIMOTO

Evidence
1. Mr Darren Smith was the Licensed (Class B) Trainer and part-owner, with another, of the horse TAZIMOTO which was entered and presented by him to compete in Race 2, the “Lion Red Punters Challenge Maiden 200 Metres” at the Whangarei Racing Club meeting held at Ruakaka Racecourse on 4 May 2022. TAZIMOTO finished 1st in the 11 horse field and earned a stake of $6,720.

2. A post-race swab of the horse was correctly undertaken and the urine sample was later analysed by the New Zealand Racing Laboratory and tested positive to the Prohibited Substance Methamphetamine, which is also a Class A Controlled Drug as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Under the Rules of Racing, it is a Prohibited Substance and as it was present in the raceday urine sample, Rule 804(1) requires it to be disqualified from the race. The Rule is mandatory and designed to ensure that all horses in a race compete on an “even playing field”.

3. TAZIMOTO is disqualified from 1st place and the revised placings are:
First: – VEGAS STRIP
Second: – PIZZAZZ
Third: – ME LIBERAZ
Fourth: – SALENTO
Fifth: – GAME DUKE
The winning stake monies are to be repaid and all stakes are to be distributed in accordance with these revised placings.

4. A charge against Mr Smith as Trainer being the person responsible for the horse, under Information A16414, is dealt with in a separate reasoned decision.