FORMER premiership-winning thoroughbred trainer Graeme McCulloch had to face up to one of the most disconcerting issues in his 35-year career last month when one of his horse’s Lavaca returned a positive swab to an illegal substance.
At an inquiry he had no option but to plead guilty to the charge as the rules leave no room for the blame to be placed on anyone but the trainer with whom the horse is domiciled and or registered.
McCulloch had a fair hearing from the stewards with the outcome a $5000 fine and a conviction but no disqualification, given his impeccable record over 35 years.
But McCulloch appealed against the severity of the fine and at the subsequent appeal hearing he had the fine reduced to $2000.
He also lost the $10,000 prize money earned by his horse Lavaca so it was still a hefty loss.
Listen to what Graeme McCulloch had to say about the circumstances that led to Lavaca returning a positive swab – click here .