The TAB Everest runner In Her Time needs a new trainer as Ben Smith has had his license suspended by stewards following a raid on his stable this morning by the stewards and integrity unit that included Chief Steward Mark Van-Gestel.
“Racing NSW Stewards today commenced an inquiry relative to a stable inspection conducted by Racing NSW Stewards and Investigators following Stewards receiving advice of two sample irregularities from horses trained by Mr Smith,” The stewards report read.
“A number of unlabelled and/or unregistered and/or unidentifiable substances were seized by the Stewards and Investigators obtained from Mr Smith’s stables, vehicle and residence.
“All substances have been dispatched to the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory for analysis.
“In addition, Mr Smith’s mobile telephone and laptop computer were confiscated for the purposes of forensic imaging.”
Stewards laid charges against the young horseman who been having a terrific past twelve months.
AR175(f) – Refusing to provide evidence – The particulars of the charge being that he refused to give evidence by not providing the name/s of the persons who supplied him with the unlabelled and/or unregistered and/or unidentifiable products found in his possession.
Smith didn’t enter a plea.
AR175(g) – Providing false evidence – The particulars of the charge being that on two occasions he provided false evidence to the Stewards during the stable inspection conducted on the morning of 11 September 2018.
Smith pleaded guilty to this charge
Stewards also invoked AR8(z) and stated, “Stewards considered the operation of AR8(z) having regard to the serious charges issued against Mr Smith. After considering submissions from Mr Smith in respect to this, the Stewards determined that the continued participation of Mr Smith did pose an unacceptable risk to, and prejudice or undermine the image, interests and integrity of the racing industry and that, accordingly, his trainer’s licence should be suspended, pending the hearing and determination of those charges against Mr Smith.
Stewards have adjourned the inquiry to a date to be fixed to allow Smith to seek legal advice.
Read the full stewards report on the link below.
http://bit.ly/BenSmithInquiry2