Ann Browne positive swab shocks New Zealand jumping industry
ANN Browne is one of the most loved and iconic racing figures in New Zealand racing history, but that indestructible reputation took a hit late last week.
A positive test was returned by stable star Raisafuasho when it won the K S Browne Hurdle – named in honour of Browne’s late husband Ken, but all prize money and records were stripped following the positive test to a banned substance.
The banned substance was Sotalol, which is prescribed for people with a heart condition and it is believed that one of Browne’s employees was taking the medication at the time of the incident, but that comes as little solace to the proud horsewoman.
“The whole thing has been very upsetting and we simply can’t explain it,” Browne said. “Right from the time Ken and I started in racing, way back in 1959, we’ve never broken any rules and certainly never had anything like this happen before.
“It came as a heck of a shock and I defy anyone to stop what might have happened, it would be impossible.
“While it’s very disappointing, now that it’s been dealt with I just want to move on.”
Tests on five other horses from the stable were taken which all tested clear, which included Who Can Tell which won at Te Aroha on June 25.
The disqualification cost Browne $30,000 in stakes plus a $4000 fine and $2000 in related costs.
JCA panel chair Murray McKechnie said the penalty in no way tarnishes the wonderful record of Ann Browne over the last six decades.
“The Committee wants to emphasise that none of what has brought you here today reflects on your integrity,” he stated. “That integrity has never been in question and it remains intact, and we want to emphasise that not only to the people who are in this room but also to people who read this decision.
“The reputation that you and your late husband have established remains intact and is unaltered.”
Alan Galbraith QC, counsel for Mrs Browne, tried for a discharge without conviction or alternatively to impose a conviction and discharge. It was ruled that as Solatol is under the Rules of Racing a prohibited substance, its presence in a test on race day is a breach of the Rules of Racing.
Trying to put the ordeal behind her, Browne will now look towards the Great Northern with Raisafuasho to help make amends for the blemish.
“The horse has never had an unwell day – I don’t know when a vet last went near him,” she said. “He seems fit and well and least with losing that race he’ll get to carry less weight on Saturday, so I suppose it’s not all bad.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be there for sure. I’ve never missed a Great Northern day and I’m not going to miss this one.”
Nature of the charge
1. Mrs Ann Browne is a licenced trainer under the New Zealand Rules of Thoroughbred Racing. She is charged that on 5th of June 2017 at Ellerslie being the trainer of the horse RAISAFUASHO that this horse took part in Race 4 when the horse was found to have in its metabolism a prohibited substance named Sotalol and that there was in consequence a breach of Rule 804(2) of the NZ Rules of Thoroughbred Racing. RAISAFUASHO was first past the post in Race 4 on 5th June 2017.
1. 2 Rule 807(7) provides that a person who commits an offence against Rule 804(2) shall be liable to:
a) Be disqualified for a period not exceeding five (5) years; and/or
b) Be suspended from holding or obtaining a licence for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months. If the licence is renewed during a term of suspension then the suspension shall continue to apply for the renewed licence; and/or
c) A fine not exceeding $25,000.