RV Stewards' Report - Andrew Homann

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards, subsequent to their investigation, have issued two charges, pursuant to Australian Rules of Racing 249(1) and 247(1), against licensed trainer, Mr Andrew Homann, as the trainer of Aberlady (the Horse).

Charge 1 of 2: AR 249

AR 249 Administration of medication on race day

1. Notwithstanding the provisions set out in Schedule 1, Part 2, Division 2, a person must not, without the permission of the Stewards:
   1. administer; or
   2. cause to be administered,

   any medication to a horse at any time on race day prior to the commencement of a race in which the horse is engaged to race.

2. If a person breaches subrule (1), a disqualification for a period of not less than 6 months must be imposed, unless there is a finding that a special circumstance exists, in which case that penalty may be reduced.
3. The Stewards may order that a horse which has received a medication in breach of subrule (1) be scratched from a race engagement.

Particulars of charge

1. On 27 August 2023, the Horse was entered to run in Race 5, the Labrokes Communities BM58 Handicap, over 2088 metres at the Moe Racecourse.
2. On 27 August 2023, prior to the race, Mr Homann administered or caused to be administered to the Horse an unknown substance containing Citric Acid.
3. Mr Homann did not obtain permission from the Stewards to administer, or cause to be administered, the medication to the Horse.

Charge 2 of 2: AR 247

AR 247 Administration of Alkalinising Agents

(1)         A person must not:

(a)        administer;

(b)        cause to be administered; 

(c)        attempt to administer; or 

(d)      be a party to the administration or attempted administration of,  an alkalinising agent in any manner to a horse which is engaged to run in any race, official trial or jump-out: 

        (i) at any time on the day of the scheduled race, official trial or jump-out and prior to the start of that event; and/or

       (ii) at any time during the 1 clear day prior to 12.00am on the day of the scheduled race, official trial, or jump-out. 

Particulars of charge

1. On 27 August 2023, the Horse was entered in Race 5, the Labrokes Communities BM58 Handicap, over 2088 metres at the Moe Racecourse.
2. On or about 27 August 2023, Mr Homann administered or caused to be administered to the Horse an alkalinising agent, being bicarbonate soda, which is prohibited from being administered to a horse at any time on the day of the race or at any time on the clear day prior to the race day.

The Horse was withdrawn prior to the race by order of the Stewards after a referral from the on-course veterinary staff.

The charges issued against Mr Homann will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.