Greyhound – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Barry McPherson – WHAT A QUESTION
Greyhound – Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Barry McPherson – WHAT A QUESTION
RWWA Stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports from the ChemCentre and Racing Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) advising that Cobalt at a concentration in excess of 100 nanograms per millilitre, being the threshold prescribed in the Greyhound Rules of Racing had been detected in a urine sample taken from WHAT A QUESTION after competing and winning Race 3 at Greyhounds WA Cannington on 14 March 2018.
At a hearing conducted on 3 May 2018, Stewards heard evidence from T1 Trainer Mr Barry McPherson, Owner Mrs Val McPherson, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr J Medd, ChemCentre Analyst Ms M Raghvani and RWWA Investigator Mrs F Bennett.
Mr McPherson was issued with a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) with the particulars being that he, as the trainer and a registered person with RWWA, presented WHAT A QUESTION to race in Race 3 at Greyhounds WA Cannington on 14 March 2018 not free of the prohibited substance Cobalt, evidenced by a concentration level in excess of 100 nanograms per millilitre in a urine sample taken from the greyhound following it competing and winning that event.
After a plea of not guilty to the charge, T1 Trainer Mr McPherson was found guilty by the Stewards and following further submissions on the question of penalty heard on 24 May 2018, the inquiry was adjourned in order to consider an appropriate penalty.
In considering the appropriate penalty the Stewards took into account the following;
• Mr McPherson’s extensive involvement in greyhound racing since 1987.
• The high levels detected and nature of the prohibited substance Cobalt.
• The unexplained reason for the presence of the high levels of Cobalt in the greyhound WHAT A QUESTION
• Previous similar penalties imposed for this substance.
• The need for deterrence both general and specific.
• That this was Mr McPherson’s first prohibited substance offence.
• Mr McPherson’s personal and financial circumstances.
After considering submissions with respect to penalty the Stewards determined to impose a disqualification of nine (9) months, backdated to 23 April 2018, being the date Mr McPherson had been suspended in relation to this matter. This penalty is effective immediately and expires on 22 January 2019.
In accordance with GAR 83 (4) WHAT A QUESTION was disqualified from the race in question with the placings amended accordingly with commensurate implications for stake money to be applied.
The direction previously imposed under Rule 92 (5)(a) preventing WHAT A QUESTION from being nominated for an event now ceases to apply and it is free to be nominated and compete in races.
Media Contact:
Carlos Martins – Chief Steward Greyhounds
Ph: 9445 5220
carlos.martins@rwwa.com.au