Racing NSW Stewards today considered submissions put by Mr Anthony Hartnell of Atanaskovic Hartnell Lawyers on behalf of licensed trainer, Mr Sam Kavanagh relative to the exercise of delegated powers available under AR8(z) to the Stewards, to suspend the licence of Mr Kavanagh pending the hearing of charges issued under the Australian Rules of Racing on Monday, 18th May 2015.

Further evidence was also taken from Mr Kavanagh.

The charges under AR175(h)(i)&(ii), AR178 and AR178E relate to the administration of the prohibited substances cobalt and caffeine, and presentation to race of the gelding, Midsummer Sun (GB) in the Gosford Gold Cup on the 9th January 2015 and the raceday administration of medications prior to racing to Midsummer Sun (GB) (Race 6) at Gosford on the 9th January 2015, as well as to Ceda Miss (Race 2) and Palazzo Pubblico (Race 4) at Warwick Farm on the 7th January 2015.

In suspending his trainers licence, pending the hearing and determination of these charges, Stewards formed the opinion that Mr Kavanagh’s continued participation in racing might pose an unacceptable risk to, prejudice or undermine the image, interests or integrity of racing.

In forming their opinion, the Stewards gave consideration to the following matters:

(I) The serious nature of the eight charges issued against Mr Kavanagh, including charges which attract mandatory minimum disqualifications under AR196(5);

(II) Admissions made by Mr Sam Kavanagh in an interview before Stewards of Wednesday 13th May 2015 and admissions made today relative to the breach of AR178E concerning raceday administration of medications to Midsummer Sun (GB), prior to racing in the Gosford Gold Cup on 9th January 2015, which carries a mandatory minimum 6 month disqualification;

(III) Incriminating evidence given by a person interviewed with respect to race day administrations to multiple horses in the Sam Kavanagh stable and the supply of raceday medications to Mr Kavanagh;

(IV) Incriminating evidence contained in data extracted from electronic devices in respect to raceday administrations to multiple horses in the Sam Kavanagh stable and the supply of raceday medications to Mr Kavanagh;

(V) Acknowledgement that Mr Kavanagh had provided misleading evidence during the Stewards investigations.

Mr Kavanagh was advised that under the power of AR196(6)(a), the Stewards would defer the commencement of the suspension until Wednesday, 27th May 2015 on the condition that he may not enter, accept for or start a horse in a race or official trial during that 7 day period of deferment.

Mr Kavanagh was advised of his rights of appeal.

The date of the Stewards Inquiry will be scheduled for early June 2015.