Rousset disqualified for a year

Mauritius trainer Gilbert Rousset has been handed a 12-month disqualification for the Maxamore case, while he has been fined Rs 100,000 for the Aspara matter.

Gilbert’s lawyer, Gavin Glover said, on 13 November, his client would appeal against both sanctions.

The Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) Racing Stewards concluded their inquiries into reports received from the MTC Approved Laboratory QuantiLab that stanozolol and 16 beta-hydroxy stanozolol had been detected in the post-race blood and urine samples taken from Maxamore and Aspara after winning on the 12 and 26 May 2018 respectively.

At the last hearing on the 13 November 2018, the Racing Stewards adjourned to consider the matter of penalty in both matters. Rule 208 A (6) states: When a person is found guilty of a breach of Rule 208 A (6) a penalty of disqualification for a period of not less than 12 months must be imposed unless there is a finding that a special circumstance exists whereupon the penalty may be reduced.

In relation to the Aspara matter the Stewards considered that a “special circumstance” was applicable, in that former groom Lavish Laleebeharry pleaded guilty to having administered Stanozolol to racehorse Aspara and was consequently “warned off” indefinitely.

After having considered all matters, the Stewards fined Rousset Rs 100 000.

In relation to the Maxamore matter, the Stewards after having considered all matters, were of the view that no special circumstances applied to this case. As such, Rousset was disqualified for a period of 12 months to commence immediately and expire at midnight the 3 December 2019. –