Racing NSW stewards have concluded an inquiry opened on 6 December 2013, relative the whether the racehorse Prussian Secret was stomach tubed prior to racing in the Tamworth Cup on 28 April 2013 and the Gunnedah Cup on 12 May 2013.

The inquiry on 6 December 2013 was adjourned to allow legal proceedings against Mr Cody Morgan and Mr Robert Clement to be determined. Under the provisions of LR12(6) a new panel of Stewards was constituted to hear the matter on Wednesday.

Evidence was taken from Mr Cody Morgan, trainer of Prussian Secret during the relevant period, Mr Luke Morgan licensed stablehand during the relevant period and current licensed trainer, registered owner Mr Maxwell Rose and Mr Robert Clement assisted by Mr R Clifford barrister. Mr Cody Morgan and Mr Luke Morgan were assisted by Solicitor Mr P O’Sullivan.

Mr Cody Morgan

Pleaded guilty to two charges under AR64G(1)(a) of causing to be administered a stomach tube to Prussian Secret within 24 hours of the appointed starting times of

1. 2TM/92.9 Tamworth Cup on 28 April 2013

2. Pryde’s Easifeed 2013 Gunnedah Cup on 12 May 2013

Under the provisions of AR196(i), an offence under AR64G(1)(a) has a mandatory minimum penalty of 12 months disqualification, unless the Stewards find that special circumstances exist in accordance with LR108(2). Having regard to the fact that Mr Morgan pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity and that he had assisted the inquiry, the Stewards issued a period of disqualification of 9 months on each charge.

Stewards ruled that the final three months of the penalty in respect to the Gunnedah Cup be served concurrently with the penalty incurred for the Tamworth Cup offence. Therefore, Mr Morgan was issued with a period of disqualification of 15 months in total.

Further Stewards ruled that having regard to time served between the period 10 July 2013, when Mr Morgan formally stood down and 17 October 2014 when Mr Morgan was granted a trainers licence, Stewards ruled that he would be permitted to continue maintain his current trainers licence.

Mr Luke Morgan

Pleaded guilty to a charge under AR64G(1)(a) of being party to the administration of a stomach tube to Prussian Secret within 24 hours of the appointed starting time of the Pryde’s Easifeed 2013 Gunnedah Cup on 12 May 2013.

Under the provisions of AR196(i), an offence under AR64G(1)(a) has a mandatory minimum penalty of 12 months disqualification, unless the Stewards find that special circumstances exist in accordance with LR108(2). Having regard to the fact that Mr Morgan pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity and that he had assisted the inquiry, the Stewards issued a period of disqualification of 9 months to commence immediately and to expire on 27 April 2017, on which day he may re-apply for a licence. Under the provisions of AR196(6) Mr Morgan was provided with seven days to attend to his horses but during that period they are not to start in a race.

Mr Maxwell Rose

Pleaded guilty to a charge under AR64G(1)(a) of administering a stomach tube to Prussian Secret within 24 hours of the appointed starting time of the Pryde’s Easifeed 2013 Gunnedah Cup on 12 May 2013.

Under the provisions of AR196(i), an offence under AR64G(1)(a) has a mandatory minimum penalty of 12 months disqualification, unless the Stewards find that special circumstances exist in accordance with LR108(2). Having regard to the fact that Mr Rose pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity and that he had assisted the inquiry, the Stewards issued a period of disqualification of 9 months to commence immediately and to expire on 27 April 2017.

Mr Robert Clement

Was found guilty of a charge under AR64G(1)(a) of administering a stomach tube to Prussian Secret within 24 hours of the appointed starting time of the 2TM/92.9 Tamworth Cup on 28 April 2013.

Under the provisions of AR196(i), an offence under AR64G(1)(a) has a mandatory minimum penalty of 12 months disqualification unless the Stewards find that special circumstances exist in accordance with LR108(2). Having found there were no special circumstances in regard to Mr Clement he was disqualified for a period of 12 months to commence immediately and to expire on 27 July 2016.

All parties were advised of their rights of appeal.