Greyhound Stewards Inquiry Mr. D Brown
RWWA stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports from the ChemCentre and Racing Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) advising that arsenic at a concentration in excess of 800 nanograms per millilitre, being the threshold prescribed in the Greyhound Rules of Racing, had been detected in a urine sample taken from YADA YADA after competing and winning Race 4 at Greyhounds WA Northam on 21 May 2018.
At a hearing conducted on 12 July 2018, stewards heard evidence from T2 Trainer Mr. David Brown, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr. Peter Symonds, ChemCentre Analyst Ms. Kelly Wilson and RWWA Stipendiary Steward Mr. Simon Jones.
Mr. Brown pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) with the particulars being that he, as the trainer and a registered person with RWWA, presented YADA YADA to race in Race 4 at Greyhounds WA Northam on 21 May 2018 not free of the prohibited substance arsenic.
This was evidenced by a concentration level in excess of 800 nanograms per millilitre in a urine sample taken from the greyhound following it competing and winning that event.
The RWWA Stewards heard submissions on the question of penalty and adjourned the inquiry in order to consider an appropriate penalty.
In considering the appropriate penalty the stewards took into account the following:
- Mr. Brown’s involvement in greyhound racing since 1995.
- The high levels detected and nature of the prohibited substance arsenic.
- Mr. Brown’s immediate guilty plea.
- The need for deterrence both general and specific.
- That this was Mr. Brown’s first prohibited substance offence.
- Mr. Brown’s personal and financial circumstances.
After considering submissions with respect to penalty the stewards determined to impose a fine of $2000 and a suspension of six months reduced to three months, due to mitigating factors. This penalty is effective immediately and expires on 15 October 2018.
In accordance with GAR 83 (4) YADA YADA 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 YADA YADA from being nominated for an event now ceases to apply and it is free to be nominated and compete in races.