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An inquiry was conducted today into the detection by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) and Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) of the prohibited substance Lamotrigine in a post-race urine sample taken from the Melanie O’Gorman-trained She Just Said It following the mare winning Race 6 (Dads For Chinese Maiden Handicap, 1100m) at Armidale on Saturday, 14th September 2019.

Evidence today was taken from the trainer of She Just Said It, Mrs Melanie O’Gorman, Racing NSW Senior Official Veterinarian, Dr Toby Keonig, Dr Adam Cawley, Science Manager ARFL, and licensed stablehand Mr S Faulkner.

Mr Glenn Burge (NSW Trainers Association) assisted the inquiry and Mrs O’Gorman, with written consent, represented the interests of the owners of She Just Said It.

Lamotrigine is a human prescription medicine, used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and is an anticonvulsive medication.

Mrs O’Gorman pleaded guilty to the charge under AR 240(2) in that, she as the trainer of She Just Said It, at all relevant times leading up to and including 14/9/19 did present that mare to race at Armidale in Race 6 (Dads For Chinese Maiden Handicap, 1100m) on 14 September 2019, and a subsequent urine sample taken from She Just Said it, after it won this event was found to contain the prohibited substance Lamotrigine.

In all the circumstances inadvertent contamination could not be discounted.

After considering Mrs O’Gorman’s submissions on penalty, she was fined $6000.

Acting under AR240(1), She Just Said It was disqualified from its 1st placing in the race and the placings were amended to read:

1st) Crimson Rose
2nd) Kensington Kid
3rd) Royal Grey
4th) Jalapeno Poppa

Mrs O’Gorman was advised of her rights of appeal.

Relevant Rules:
AR 240(1). Subject to subrule (3), if a horse is brought to a racecourse and a prohibited substance on Prohibited list A and/or Prohibited list B is detected in any sample taken from the horse prior to or following its running in any race, the horse must be disqualified from any race in which it started on that day.

- Shane Cullen (Chairman of Stewards, H&NWRA)