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Racing NSW Stewards today inquired into an Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) analyst’s report relative to a urine sample obtained from jockey Patrick Scorse after he rode trackwork at Thoroughbred Park on the morning of Tuesday, 10 December 2024.

Evidence was taken from Patrick Scorse and Mr John Keledjian, General Manager-Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL), via teleconference.

Patrick Scorse pleaded guilty to a charge under AR139(1)(a) of having provided a sample of his urine on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, which upon analysis was found to contain multiple substances banned by AR136.

Patrick Scorse’s jockey’s licence was suspended in full for a period of 18 months, backdated to 17 February 2025 being the day that he was stood down by Stewards and to expire on 17 August 2026.

In assessing penalty, Stewards considered the following matters:

1) Guilty plea.
2) Mr Scorse’s forthright evidence.
3) That Mr Scorse had taken proactive steps, prior to the date of today’s inquiry, to enter into a drug rehabilitation program.
4) Mr Scorse’s’ third breach of the Rule.
5) Multiple banned substances being detected.
6) The high level of one of the substances detected.
7) The principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry.
8) The purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

Patrick Scorse was told that prior to resuming working in the racing industry he would be required to appear before the Licensing Committee of Racing NSW and further, that it shall be a condition of any application to resume working in the racing industry, to provide evidence of a satisfactory period of drug counselling/rehabilitation.

Patrick Scorse was advised of his right of appeal to ACT Racing Appeals Tribunal.

- J.D. Walshe (Chief Steward, CRC/SERA)

Relevant Rule
AR 139 Offences where riders use banned substances

(1) A rider breaches these Australian Rules if:
a banned substance under AR 136(1) is detected in a sample taken from the rider