FIVE FLAWED TESTS IN TROTS' DRUG BUNGLE

The NSW harness racing industry was in uproar yesterday after a
drug-testing bungle that returned five positive tests - including one for
the acting chief steward - for cannaboid, an active chemical in marijuana,
at Harold Park on Friday night.

The drug testing program, used for the first time on Friday night, was
branded a "disgrace" after the NSW Harness Racing Club president, Mr Tony
McGrath, the acting chief steward, Mr Ron Bottle, another steward and two
drivers, all tested positive for the banned substance in their saliva.

Victorian trainer-driver Mr Glenn Douglas was the first man tested. Later,
fellow driver Mr Ricky Thurlow also recorded a positive reading to the same
substance.

It was then that alarm bells started ringing and the acting chief steward
subjected himself to the test. Mr McGrath confirmed that Mr Bottle, another
steward and himself produced similar readings to those of Mr Douglas and Mr
Thurlow when they were tested.

"I was positive as well and I can assure you that I have never used it. In
fact I don't even know what it is. It appears the machine wasn't
functioning properly," Mr McGrath said.

The two drivers were then asked to submit urine samples for testing and
results will be available later this week.

Mr Douglas and Mr Eric Anderson, the owner of the four horses he was to
drive on Friday night, have begun legal proceedings against Harness Racing NSW.

Mr Douglas was unavailable for comment due to legal restraints but Mr
Anderson spoke out yesterday: "Obviously I'll do what I've got to do and
that involves legal action ... I think the situation is a disgrace."

Mr Douglas, whose four horses were strongly favoured by punters,
immediately scratched them after being told he had tested positive to the
banned substance cannaboid, which he strenuously denied ever using.

A spokesman for Harness Racing NSW, Mr Tony Mullins, reacted swiftly to
defuse what may become an embarrassing legal wrangle.

"It is becoming increasingly clear to me that there has been a malfunction
with the machinery and clearly no action will be taken against Mr Douglas
or Mr Thurlow," Mr Mullins said.

"The urine samples taken from the two drivers, and the stewards, will be
analysed this week and, subject to that investigation confirming our
concerns, appropriate apologies will be considered ..."

He reiterated that the incident was regrettable and he would hold a full
inquiry into the bungle.

"We purchased some machinery which was guaranteed to us as the most
up-to-date technology for saliva testing in regard to a number of drugs,"
he said.

"The manufacturer of the machinery will be summoned to our offices at
Bankstown on Monday morning to 'please explain' and possible legal action
against the manufacturer will be considered."

Meanwhile, Mr Douglas, who was too devastated to take his drives at Moonee
Valley on Saturday night, which he was cleared by the authorities to do, is
likely to be back at Harold Park later this week.

"We'll be there next Friday night again," Mr Anderson said.

"That's where the prize money is and it's my business so that's where you
have to be.

"It really depends on how Glenn feels whether or not he drives but I'd say
yes he will be.

"He does rebound well. He is only young, 23 or 24 years old. But he can put
this behind him despite the damage that has already been done."