TTRA revise policy, trainer fined $400

THE trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority (TTRA) has decided to revise their policy  regarding pre-race veterinary examinations. Following an inquiry into the poor performance of Sugar Mike in last year’s Guardian Holdings Gold Cup on Boxing Day holiday December 27, the TTRA met on Tuesday last and interviewed veterinarian Dr Clyde Rahamut Ali jr. And after considering evidence by the vet, including a report on his examination and detailed discussions pertaining to his pre-race examinations, it was decided and agreed on a policy “which will ensure the overall welfare of the horse, the safety of jockeys and as well as the interest of the punter.”

Sugar Mike who was joint-favourite for the 2000 metres race finished a poor fourth of five runners which prompted the inquiry under their powers vested in Rule 7 (h) of the Rules of Racing. Meanwhile, trainer Rohit Dube was hit with a $400 fine for failure to submit his trainer’s report between  December 2004 and November last year in accordance with Rule 42 (6) of the Rules of Racing.The fine was levied on Dube after the TTRA heard evidence from him and considering the reminder letters sent from the authority.

The Trainers Association put in a plea for lienency for Dube, and according to secretary David Loregnard, the TTRA decided Dube must complete and submit all outstanding reports from December 2004 to November 2005 together with relevant penalties. The TTRA acting under Rule 7 (t) of the Rules of Racing decided to apply the $400 fine on Dube “for a continuous breach of the Rules of Racing and showing total disregard for it. Further, Dube was given a very stern warning that should there be similar occurences on his part he will be severely disciplined.