The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Cape Town on 21 November 2014, Trainer W G Prestage was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.7, in that he was the person responsible for the horse, Arcsign, when an “out of competition” blood sample was taken at Trainer Prestage’s Racing Stable at Milnerton Racecourse on 13 August 2014, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Phenylbutazone. Phenylbutazone is a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority.
Mr Prestage pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Inquiry Board accepted his plea and found him guilty of the charge. After considering all the evidence, the Board imposed a penalty of a fine of R30 000.00 of which R15 000.00 was suspended provided that he is not found guilty of a similar offence within three years.
Mr Prestage has a right of appeal against the penalty imposed.
