news Decision Notice by RoR Disciplinary Panel

On 10th December 2021 the Disciplinary Panel held a Hearing to consider whether Miss Alex Humphreys was in breach of Rules 8.1 and 8.5 of the Rules and Regulations of Retraining of Racehorses concerning the presence of a Prohibited Substance in a sample of blood taken from BLAZE OF HEARTS at Aintree on 28 August 2021.

The Disciplinary Panel considered the documentation and submissions of Miss Humphreys who was present, and also an admission on her part that she was in breach of Rules 8.1 and 8.5. Having considered the matter they accepted her admission and concluded that she was in breach of Rules 8.1 and 8.5 of the Rules and Regulations of Retraining of Racehorses in that a sample of blood was taken from BLAZE OF HEARTS at Aintree on 28th August 2021 following the participation of the horse in Class 33 that day. That sample was tested positive for the presence of acepromazine and HEPS, which are Prohibited Substances as defined in the RoR Rules and Regulations.

Having carefully considered the comments and written submissions of Miss Humphreys in connection with penalty, the Disciplinary Panel accepted that the cause of the positive sample was the administration of sedation by her groom for the purpose of pulling BLAZE OF HEARTS' mane and tail. Credit was given for her prompt admission of the breach and her cooperation throughout. However, the Panel recognised that it is a serious offence for a horse to compete with any Prohibited Substance in its system, and imposed the following penalties:

1. A fine of £250, which may be payable in instalments if requested (minimum of £50 per instalment). The registration of BLAZE OF HEARTS will be suspended if any of the ordered payments are not made on time.

2. Disqualification of BLAZE OF HEARTS from the class at Aintree on 28th August 2021 with forfeiture of any placings, awards and prize money won

3. A caution as to future conduct to be placed on Alex Humphrey's record for a period of 2 years.

Disciplinary Panel: David Morley (Chair), Marion Begley, Jonathan Geake