The Racing Stewards decided, on Friday, to fine trainer Shirish Narang Rs150, 000 and Stable Supervisor Selvarajen Govinda was disqualified for the 2022 racing season. They were charged in December 2021 after hearing evidence into the reported presence of mentholatum (thermogenic) – a prohibited substance – on the horse EL PATRON on the 4th July 2021.
The MTCSL Racing Stewards concluded the finding into the charges levelled against Mr Narang on the 21st of December 2021, for a contravention of MTCSL Rules 76(b), 273(b) and 274(h).
Trainer Shirish Narang pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him in submissions received on the 27th of December 2021. The Board, after reviewing the submissions made towards Mr Narang’s plea of not guilty and having considered all the evidence presented during the inquiry, found Mr Narang guilty of a contravention of MTCSL Rules 76(b) and 274(h).
Regarding the charge for the contravention of MTCSL Rule 273(b), the Board considered the submissions made by Shirish Narang’s counsel on the 27th December 2021 and decided to set aside the charge. The Board acknowledged that this is Mr Narang’s first offence for a contravention of these particular rules and specifically in relation to prohibited practices.
When considering penalties previously incurred under rules relating to Trainers, the Board imposed a penalty of a fine of Rs 50 000 for a contravention of MTCSL Rule 76(b).
Furthermore, the Board imposed a penalty of a fine of Rs 100 000 for a contravention of MTCSL Rule 274(h).
Trainer Shirish Narang has the right of appeal against the finding and the penalty imposed.
Stable supervisor, Selvarajen Govinda, has been disqualified for the 2022 racing season.
Mr Selvarajen Govinda was charged, the 21st of December 2021, for a contravention of MTCSL Rule 272(h): In that as a licensed stable employee, Mr Govinda tampered with a horse. The particulars being that that on the 4th July 2021 prior to race 4 Mr Govinda illegally and unlawfully and without any right or permission administered a substance other than normal feed and water by mouth topically to the nostrils of EL PATRON whilst saddling the horse and in so doing, tampered with the said horse.
