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Racing NSW Stewards today inquired into an analyst’s finding relative to a blood sample obtained from High Citadel prior it’s fourth placing in the XXXX Gold Maiden Plate at Thoroughbred Park on 13 November 2016.

Evidence was taken from licenced trainer Darryl Rolfe and evidence was obtained via teleconference from Veterinarian Dr Alex Willi – Canberra Equine Hospital (CEH), Dr Adam Cawley - Science Manager of the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, and Dr Craig Suann – Senior Official Veterinarian Racing NSW. 

Mr Rolfe was found guilty of a charge under AR178 of presenting High Citadel at Thoroughbred Park on 13 November 2016 for the purpose of engaging in the XXXX Gold Maiden Plate when a prohibited substance, namely Yohimbine, was detected in the blood sample taken from the gelding prior to the event.

Mr Rolfe was fined the sum of $4000. In assessing penalty, among other things, Stewards took into consideration that this was Mr Rolfe’s first breach of this rule in 40 years of having held a trainer’s license. 

Stewards acting under the powers of AR177, disqualified High Citadel from its fourth placing and amended the placings to:

1st - Smart As 2nd - Celestial Choice 3rd - Her Name is Rio 4th - Moonlight Duchess   Mr Rolfe, who also represented the interests of the owner of High Citadel in respect to the provisions of AR177 was advised of the rights of appeal in relation to both of the matters.