Suvaljko case heads back to stewards
Racing and Wagering WA stewards will re-open an inquiry to hear new evidence from trainer-reinsman Shannon Suvaljko, who will take drives at Gloucester Park tonight.
Stewards inquired on Monday into the Suvaljko-trained five-year-old Love In The Dark's elevated total carbon dioxide reading before she ran unplaced at Pinjarra on April 21.
Suvaljko, 45, pleaded guilty to having presented the mare to race with a TCO2 level exceeding 36 millimoles per litre in plasma.
RWWA's general manager of integrity, Denis Borovica, adjourned the inquiry for stewards to consider a penalty and said yesterday more evidence would be heard.
"Mr Suvaljko has forwarded some written submissions since we sat, regarding some tests he has had done privately on the horse," Borovica said.
"This requires us to resume the inquiry. On Monday we will receive this evidence in order that it can be considered.
"Accordingly, no decisions have been made at this time.
"There is no time frame with respect to penalty or an embargo on him (Suvaljko) driving while we consider the matter."
Suvaljko will tonight partner Rocket Reign, Xupan Three, Hez Got The Nod and Sign In, for trainer Debbie Padberg.
He is also engaged for the Clive Dalton-trained Diamonds A Blaze.
Hez Got The Nod and Sign In were last-start winners when driven by Suvaljko. He drove the Mike Reed-trained Libertybelle Midfrew to win last Friday's $150,000 WA Oaks.
·Jungle Genie and Am Opulent will launch a two-pronged assault by co-trainers Greg and Skye Bond on the Tabtouch Breeders Stakes Prelude (2130m) tonight. Am Opulent drew gate three and Jungle Genie has barrier six.
