Racing NSW Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the analyst's report of the presence of the prohibited substance Butorphanol in the urine sample taken from Miss Johann prior to its fifth placing in the Tumut Cup on Saturday, 20th January 2007.
Evidence was taken from Mr David Blundell, the trainer of Miss Johann, and his stablehand Mrs L. Blundell. Written evidence was considered from Dr P. Nott, who also gave evidence via teleconference, and Dr K. Blay, veterinarians who provide services to Mr Blundell.
Written evidence was also tendered by Dr P. McGuire who officiated as the club's veterinary officer at the Tumut race meeting on 20th January 2007.
The inquiry was assisted by Dr Craig Suann, Senior Veterinary Officer, Racing NSW, and Mr Allen Stenhouse, Official Analyst, Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory.
Subsequently, Mr David Blundell was found guilty of a breach of AR178 in that he presented Miss Johann to compete in the Tumut Cup when a urine sample taken from the mare prior to it racing had detected in it the prohibited substance Butorphanol.
Mr Blundell's trainer's licence was suspended for a period of six months to expire on 27th October 2007. Under the powers of AR177 Miss Johann was disqualified from its 5th placing.
Mr Blundell has since lodged an appeal against the severity of the sentence but an appeal date is yet to be determined.
