The appellant, a licensed standardbred trainer, appealed a $5,000 fine and 365-day suspension imposed after a horse he trained tested positive for caffeine post-race.
The appellant argued that he relied on veterinary advice and that the trainer responsibility rule should be treated as a strict liability offence, allowing for a due diligence defence.
The Ontario Racing Commission dismissed the appeal, holding that the trainer responsibility rule is an absolute liability offence necessary to protect the integrity of racing.
Furthermore, the Commission found that even if strict liability applied, the appellant failed to establish due diligence due to gaps in evidence regarding the horse's care and security prior to the race.
