Takeover Target Inquiry

The Stewards today concluded their inquiry into the analyst´s finding regarding the pre-race blood sample taken from TAKEOVER TARGET on 10 December 2006, the day that the horse had been declared to run in The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (Group 1).

At the initial inquiry held at Sha Tin on 10 December 2006, Dr T S M Wan, Head of Racing Laboratory of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, advised the Stewards that the pre-race blood sample taken from TAKEOVER TARGET on the morning of 10 December 2006 had on analysis shown the presence of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexanoate. At that inquiry, Dr K L Watkins, the then Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison, advised the Stewards that 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexanoate is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Rules of Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of TAKEOVER TARGET from the stated race in accordance with the powers granted to them under Rule 12(13).

Further evidence was today taken from Mr J Janiak, trainer of TAKEOVER TARGET, and Dr Wan. Evidence was also taken from Dr B D Stewart, the current Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison.

Mr Janiak was found guilty of a charge under Rule 140(1) in that he as the trainer of TAKEOVER TARGET did fail to ensure the said horse was free of any prohibited substance on 10 December 2006, the day on which TAKEOVER TARGET had been declared to run in The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (Group 1) at the Sha Tin Racecourse.

The Stewards considered all matters put by Mr Janiak in mitigation, particularly that in the 34 years he has been the holder of a trainer´s licence he has never previously been found to be in breach of a similar rule and that his disciplinary record was clear. Also, Mr Janiak advised the Stewards that the training of racehorses is now his sole source of income. On the other hand, the Stewards considered that Mr Janiak was aware of the presence of the prohibited substance in TAKEOVER TARGET in the lead up to 10 December 2006 and that he had been advised the substance was 'highly unlikely' to clear the horse´s system by raceday. Further, the Stewards considered the circumstances of this matter could have the effect of tarnishing the image of horse racing in Hong Kong. In all the circumstances, it was decided the appropriate penalty was for Mr Janiak to be fined the sum of $200,000.