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Racing NSW Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the Analysts’ findings of procaine in a post-race urine sample taken from Prince Coureuse after the gelding was placed first in Race 5 (Benchmark 46 Handicap, 1420m) conducted at Taree Racecourse on 7 November 2017.

Evidence was taken from the trainer of Prince Coureuse, Mrs Tess Wilkes, part=owner Mr Darren Wilkes, Racing NSW Official Veterinarian, Dr Tania Selig and ARFL Science Manager, Dr Adam Cawley.

Mrs Wilkes pleaded guilty to a charge under AR175(h)(ii) of having administered the prohibited substance procaine to Prince Coureuse, such prohibited substance being detected in the urine sample taken from that gelding after it was successful in Race 5 (Benchmark 46 Handicap, 1420m) on 7 November at Taree Racecourse.

Mrs Wilkes was subsequently fined $5000. In considering penalty, Stewards took into account Mrs Wilkes's guilty plea, and the non-TAB status of the race involved.

Acting under the powers of AR177, Prince Coureuse was disqualified from its first placing in Race 5 conducted at Taree on 7 November 2017 and the placings were amended as follows:-

1st - Colour Purple
2nd - Runaway Jet
3rd - Yulong Baohu
4th - Thundering Heart
5th - Envision

Mrs Wilkes was advised of her rights of appeal.

Relevant Rules
AR 177. Subject to AR 177C, any horse that has been brought to a racecourse and a prohibited substance is detected in any sample taken from it prior to or following its running in any race must be disqualified from any race in which it started on that day.

AR 175 The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalise;
(h) Any person who administers, or causes to be administered, to a horse any prohibited substance
(ii) which is detected in any sample taken from such horse prior to or following the running of any race.