Greyhound stewards’ inquiry – trainer Ben Abercrombie (Go Gettem Greta)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards conducted an inquiry on 31 January 2024 into reports received from ChemCentre in Perth and Racing Analytical Services Limited (Vic) that the sample taken from Go Gettem Greta, prior to racing in Race 1 at Cannington on 21 October 2023, was found to contain the prohibited substance dexamethasone.
At the inquiry evidence was heard from:
- ChemCentre representative – Ms Elise Cook
- RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian – Dr J Medd
- RWWA Investigator – Mr P Criddle
- Trainer of Go Gettem Greta – Mr B Abercrombie
The inquiry was adjourned to allow a yellow container produced by Mr Abercrombie to be analysed by the ChemCentre. On 1 March 2024, the ChemCentre reported the container to have Prednisolone present.
On 7 March 2024 by way of written correspondence, Mr Abercrombie was issued with four (4) charges.
At a hearing on 13 March 2024, Mr Abercrombie pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Charge 1 – GAR 141(1) Greyhound to be free of prohibited substances
The particulars being that Mr Abercrombie, as the trainer and a registered person with RWWA, presented Go Gettem Greta to compete in Race 1 at Greyhounds WA Cannington on 21 October 2023, not free of the prohibited substance dexamethasone.
Charge 2 – GAR 148(2) Possession of a prohibited substance, exempted substance or other substance and other rules in relation to certain substances
The particulars of the charge relating to Mr Abercrombie possessing a yellow container that he had acquired when in Indonesia, which was found to contain the substance prednisolone that was not prescribed in accordance with relevant Commonwealth, state and territory legislation.
Charge 3 – GAR 148(2) Possession of a prohibited substance, exempted substance or other substance and other rules in relation to certain substances
The particulars of the charge relating to Mr Abercrombie, administering a substance (relating to charge 2) containing prednisolone to Go Gettem Greta which was not prescribed in accordance with the relevant Commonwealth, state and territory legislation.
Charge 4 – GAR 151 Treatment records to be kept
The particulars of the charge relating to Mr Abercrombie failing to comply with provisions of Rule 151(1) in that he did not record the details of the treatment administered to the greyhound of a unprescribed substance which contained prednisolone.
After adjourning to consider submissions made on penalty, stewards determined on 21 March 2024 to impose a fine of $6,000 with respect to Charge 1, $500 for Charge 2, $1000 for Charge 3 and $500 for Charge 4.
Accordingly, the total of amount of payable fines for these offences is $8000.
Further, acting under GAR141(4), stewards have determined to disqualify Go Gettem Greta from the race in question with the placings to be amended accordingly with the commensurate implications to all prizemoney payments to apply.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
- Mr Abercrombie’s pleas of guilt and that this was his second prohibited substance offence.
- The nature of the substance dexamethasone which was classified as a therapeutic substance (anti-inflammatory) commonly used under prescription by veterinarians for the treatment of greyhounds.
- Mr Abercrombie’s possession and administration of an unprescribed substance purchased overseas, albeit that it was confirmed to contain a common therapeutic substance used as medication for pannus.
- Precedence in past cases involving dexamethasone and the possession and administration of an unprescribed substance.