Racing NSW stewards conducted an inquiry into the analyst's findings of the prohibited substance 3’-hydroxylignocaine being detected in the urine sample taken from Color Purple after that gelding won the Fernhill Picnic Cup at Fernhill racecourse on October 18 2014.

Evidence was taken from William Slater, trainer of Color Purple, licensed trainer Garry White and apprentice Ashleigh Borg.

Dr Craig Suann, Racing NSW Senior Official Veterinarian and Dr Adam Cawley Science Manager, Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory assisted the inquiry. Dr Suann provided advice to the inquiry that 3’-hydroxylignocaine is a prohibited substance under the rules of racing.

Slater was found guilty of a charge under AR178 as the trainer of Color Purple, of having brought that gelding to Fernhill to compete in the Fernhill Picnic Cup whereby a prohibited substance, namely 3’-hydroxylignocaine, was detected in a urine sample taken from that gelding subsequent to the race.

Slater was fined $4000. In considering penalty, stewards took into account Slater’s good record over a lengthy period as a licensed person.

Acting under the powers of AR177, Color Purple was disqualified from its first placing in the Fernhill Picnic Cup and the placings were amended to read :- 1st - My Sister Sue; 2nd - The Iron Maiden; 3rd - Jesta Rollingstone; 4th – Easyaye; 5th – Recess; 6th - Where Izzy.