Greyhound Stewards Inquiry – Trainer James Jeffries (HAZY FLASH)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards completed an inquiry yesterday, 16 March 2021, into a report from the ChemCentre in Perth, that Dexamethasone had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from HAZY FLASH after competing in and winning Race 3 at Mandurah Greyhounds on Tuesday 13 October 2020. This finding having been verified by the Racing Science Centre in Queensland.
Evidence was taken from the trainer of HAZY FLASH Mr James Jeffries, RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd and ChemCentre Analyst Ms Elise Cook.
Mr Jeffries pleaded guilty to two charges, the first under GAR 83 (2) (a), that he, as the trainer, presented HAZY FLASH to race in race 3 at Mandurah Greyhounds on Tuesday 13 October 2020, where it raced and finished first, not free of the prohibited substance Dexamethasone.
The second charge was under GAR 84A, particulars being that he, being a registered person with RWWA, failed to produce the record of treatment for inspection when requested to do so by RWWA officials.
In the matter of the first offence under GAR 83 (2) (a), Mr Jeffries was fined the sum of $5,000.
In respect to the second charge under GAR 84A, Mr Jeffries was fined the sum of $500.
When considering penalty, the Stewards took the following into account:
- The fact that this was Mr Jeffries first prohibited substance offence since his involvement in the Industry.
- The importance of animals being presented for races free of prohibited substances in order to maintain a level playing field.
- Mr Jeffries personal circumstances, including his current financial position.
- The acknowledgement of both offences at the earliest opportunity.
- Previous similar cases involving the presence of Dexamethasone in all three codes.
- The low levels detected and the fact that Dexamethasone is of a non-performance therapeutic nature.
- The need for deterrence both general and specific
Acting under GAR 83 (4), HAZY FLASH has been disqualified from winning race 3 at Mandurah Greyhounds on 13 October 2020 and the Stewards directed that the placings be amended accordingly, with the commensurate implications for stake money.