The First Instance Tribunal, appointed by the Jamaica Racing Commission, concluded an investigation on April 20, 2026, under Section 25 of the Jamaica Racing Commission Act. This investigation was prompted by a report from the Racing Chemist indicating that a urine sample taken from the horse APRIL SPIRIT, after the seventh race on December 26, 2024, tested positive for COCAINE. This finding constitutes a breach of Rule 247 under the Rules of Racing.

The split portion (B sample) was subsequently analyzed at the University of the West Indies Mona Analytical Chemistry Lab (UWIMAC), confirming the presence of COCAINE in the sample taken from the horse.

After thorough consideration of the evidence presented by Mr. Garth McBean K.C., the Commission’s Legal Adviser and Mr. Dale Murphy, who represented Trainer Barrington Dawes, the Tribunal:

• Accepted the finding of the Racing Chemist, the urine samples taken from the horse on 26th of December 2024, contained the drug COCAINE (Class 1 prohibited substance).
• Ruled that owner Micheal Mattis, Trainer Barrington Dawes and Groom Dwayne Downie was found responsible for the positive finding returned by horse.
• Imposed a fine in the amount of Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00) on Owner Micheal Mattis with no warning off.
• Imposed a fine in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) on Trainer Barrington Dawes , to be paid within 90 days after the ruling.
• Imposed a fine in the amount of Twenty- Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) on Groom Dwayne Downie.
• Ruled that groom Romaine Marshall was found not culpable for the prohibited substance found in April Spirit and was therefore exonerated.
• Disqualified APRIL SPIRIT from the race, pursuant to Rule 207 of the Racing Rules 1977.

Mr. Garth McBean K.C., the Commission’s Legal Adviser, marshalled the evidence on behalf of the Commission.