Dear Member
I write in reference to the SANTA media release dated Sunday, 25th July.
The media release attacks the NHA in relation to its handling of positive findings of prohibited substances and casts aspersions on the NHA, its Board and Management. This attempt to discredit racing, the NHA, Board and Management cannot be allowed to go without comment from me as Chair of the NHA.
Firstly, the Board of the NHA are united in their support of the Racing Control Executive, Mr Arnold Hyde.
Secondly, the NHA Board are fully committed to upholding the integrity of racing. The NHA Rules, and application thereof, are in line with international jurisdictions.
Thirdly, the presence of prohibited substances in horses on race days and in out-of-competition have serious repercussions for the integrity of races, welfare of horses and safety of riders. Obviously it is extremely rare to catch a trainer administering the prohibited substance, so that is why there has to be the so-called strict liability rule or presentation rule - and this is standard across racing jurisdictions. The mere presentation by the trainer of a horse to race, which is found to have a prohibited substance in its system, imposes a responsibility on the trainer. Evidence such as identifying the source and the precautionary steps taken by the trainer may mitigate the penalty (fine and/or suspension of horse and/or trainer) - but there may still be a finding of guilt and if the horse participated in a race with the benefit of a prohibited substance, it is still disqualified. This finds for an equitable outcome having regard to the interests of all stakeholders including those that participated in the given events in which the transgressor participated.
Fourthly, the media release by SANTA contains flaws and inaccuracies, and generally seems designed to mislead the reader. These are the subject of a well-written letter by Ms Ashleigh Hughes, an independent media consultant who is a very knowledgeable racing enthusiast, addressed to SANTA (in her personal capacity) in response to their media release - and copied in the NHA. I must state that Ms Hughes does do some media work for the NHA, but this letter was written in her personal capacity. The letter raises some very challenging points that will be of interest to members, so I have attached it for your perusal. Ms Hughes had also copied the Sporting Post, which has strangely declined to carry the letter on its website - despite having given prominence to the SANTA media release and operating a forum for comments.
Finally, the media release by SANTA clearly reveals that their primary goal is to make things easier and more lenient for themselves. This is a subjective approach and if they are allowed to achieve this - then the SA horseracing industry is definitely on a path to both alienation and self-destruction.
Yours faithfully
Susan Rowett
Chairlady