Williamses continue training while tribunal considers appeal submissions

Prominent Western Australian trainers Grant and Alana Williams will be allowed to continue to operate until they learn their fate from the Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal (RPAT).

The Perth trainers were on Tuesday granted an extension of a stay of proceedings by RPAT while the body considers submissions made by the Williamses in relation to their appeal over charges laid by stewards relating to a positive swab to Starry Heights, a horse they prepared.

Starry Heights was fatally injured during the running of last October’s Kalgoorlie Cup. A post-mortem examination of the gelding found the presence of Ritalinic Acid, a drug used to treat people who suffer from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The Williamses were provisionally suspended in January, preventing them from racing or barrier trialling horses, and were charged under Australian Racing Rule 240 (2), accusing them of bringing a horse to the races with a prohibited substance in its system. The provisional ban was lifted on February 16 pending the outcome of their appeal.

The stay of proceedings remains in place with RPAT reserving its decision until a date to be fixed, Racing WA confirmed in a statement issued late on Tuesday.