Greyhounds – Stewards Inquiry – Mr Phillip Worthington
30 November, 2016
Greyhound
RWWA Greyhound Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the retirement and subsequent euthanasia of greyhounds JODAL, GROOVY BULLET and GOX ROCKS.
At a previous hearing conducted on 21 November 2016, evidence was taken from Deputy Chief Steward Mr Paul Searle and Owner/Trainer Mr Phillip Worthington.
After hearing evidence the following charges were issued against Mr Worthington to which he pleaded guilty.
Charge 1 – GAR 86(o), with the particulars of the charge relating to, Mr Phillip Worthington, being a registered person with RWWA, failing to present the greyhound JODAL to the Greyhound Adoption Programme (GAP) for assessment, as requested in a letter dated 4 July 2016, which in the opinion of the Stewards was improper.
Charge 2 – GAR 86(o), with the particulars of the charge relating to, Mr Phillip Worthington, being a registered person with RWWA, failing to present the greyhound GOX ROCKS to the Greyhound Adoption Programme (GAP) for assessment, as requested in a letter dated 4 July 2016 which in the opinion of the Stewards was improper.
Charge 3 – GAR 86(o), with the particulars of the charge relating to Mr Phillip Worthington, failing to make a reasonable effort to ensure that the greyhound GROOVY BULLETT would be re homed when deciding to take it to the veterinary hospital on the 24 August 2016, which resulted in the greyhound being euthanized which in the opinion of the Stewards is improper.
After hearing final submissions on the question of penalty, the inquiry was adjourned to determine the matter. Given the seriousness of the matter, in accordance with GAR 92 (5), all of Mr Worthington’s licenses were suspended pending the conclusion of this inquiry.
By letter dated 29 November 2016, Mr Worthington was advised of the Stewards decision that the penalty imposed was a disqualification of 3 years for each of the offences. Having regard to the principles of totality and Mr Worthington’s mitigating factors, the periods of disqualification were ordered to be served concurrently.
As Mr Worthington’s licenses’ had been suspended under Rule 92 (5) since the inquiry was opened on 21 November 2016, the disqualification was back-dated to commence as of this date and will now expire on 20 November 2019.
In determining the penalty, Stewards took into account the following;
- Mr Worthington’s personal circumstances.
- That this was Mr Worthington’s first such offence of this nature.
- The nature and circumstances surrounding the commission of the offences.
- That the greyhounds were professionally and humanely euthanized.
- The fact the Mr Worthington had previously been requested by Stewards to seek other alternatives to rehome greyhounds.
- Deterrent, both specific and general.
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Denis Borovica
GM Racing Integrity
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