Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) conducted an inquiry into a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory that Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) above the prescribed threshold was detected in a pre-race blood sample taken from Three Point Turn prior to Race 1, the Form 700 Pace (1720 metres) at the Young harness meeting on Saturday, July 5.

The “B” sample for Three Point Turn has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.

Townsend pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 190 (1), (2) and (4) for presenting the horse to race not free of a prohibited substance.

He has subsequently been disqualified for a period of 22 months to commence from July 10, 2014, the date upon which he was stood down. 

In considering a penalty, stewards were mindful of the nature of the substance and the levels detected. 

In addition, stewards took into consideration the guilty pleas entered and personal subjective facts.

Three Point Turn was disqualified from the race.

Manager of Integrity for Harness Racing NSW Reid Sanders said the penalty fitted the infraction. 

“Nathan’s penalty is at the lower end of the scale for these offences,” Mr Sanders said.

“We have a set penalty structure related to these matters.

“For a first offence, as Nathan’s was, the minimum penalty is two years.

“Nathan received a reduced sentence because he pleaded guilty and was forthcoming about what had occurred.

“HRNSW are committed to eradicating these issues from the sport,” he said.

Mr Sanders said despite the tough penalties, these offences continue to occur in the sport.

“It is unfortunate that we continue to find horses presented for races with banned substances in their system.

“HRNSW take these matters very seriously.

“We are committed to giving everyone involved in the sport an even playing field.

“That includes punters, drivers, trainers and anyone else who enjoys harness racing.

“HRNSW will continue to work on eradicating these issues from the sport,” Mr Sanders said.