Greyhound stewards’ inquiry – trainer Michael Rees – IMPRESS VENUS
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards have concluded the inquiry concerning the report from the ChemCentre in Perth, that the presence of 5β-androstane-3α, 17β-diol (metabolite of testosterone), at a concentration in excess of the prescribed threshold in the rules (>10ng/ml), has been detected in an out of competition urine sample obtained from IMPRESS VENUS on 23 September 2021.
The inquiry commenced on 20 December 2021 where evidence was heard from Chem Centre representative Ms E Cook, RWWA Investigator Mrs F Bennett, RWWA Head of Veterinary Services Dr Judith Medd and trainer Michael Rees.
Following the issue of charges as listed below, the matter was adjourned in order for records of purchase of ethylestrenol to be provided by Mr Rees and for him to confirm whether he wished to present any further material or submissions in support of his not guilty plea to a charge issued under GAR79A (4) (i).
After considering written submissions, the stewards determined on 2 February 2022 to find Mr Rees guilty of charge two. Mr Rees had previously pleaded guilty to charge one.
After considering further submissions relating to penalty the stewards determined on 28 February 2022 to impose the penalties as indicated.
Charges
Charge one – GAR 84A – particulars being: Mr M Rees did since January 2021 fail to comply with the provisions of GAR84A by not keeping and maintaining treatment records as required by that rule.
Penalty: $300 fine.
Charge two – GAR79A (4) (i) – particulars being: Mr M Rees as the trainer was in charge of IMPRESS VENUS on 23 September 2021 when a sample taken from it was found to contain the permanently banned anabolic androgenic steroid testosterone as evidenced by the presence of 5β-androstane-3α, 17β-diol, at a concentration greater than 10ng/ml.
Penalty: 12-month disqualification effective as of the date his licences were suspended pending outcome of inquiry, that being 13 December 2021.
Further acting under Greyhound Rule of Racing 79A(4) (iii) the stewards have determined to disqualify IMPRESS VENUS from the following races with the placings to be amended accordingly with the commensurate implications to all stake money and payments (including starters subsidies) to apply.
05/10/21 – Mandurah Race 7, 5th
12/10/21 – Mandurah Race 1, 2nd
19/10/21 – Mandurah Race 11, 2nd
26/10/21 – Mandurah Race 4, 1st
02/11/21 – Mandurah Race 6, 3rd
09/11/21 – Mandurah Race 2, 3rd
16/11/21 – Mandurah Race 11, 4th
23/11/21 – Mandurah Race 6, 8th
In determining penalty, stewards took into account several factors including:
- Mr Rees’ long history of involvement in racing during which time he had maintained an unblemished record.
- His plea of guilt where applicable and various personal considerations that applied.
- The nature of the substance detected, with it being a permanently banned substance since 2016 with potential long-lasting effects.
- That in accordance with GAR 79A(3)(b), IMPRESS VENUS became ineligible to compete for any further events once the sample taken from it was found to contain a permanently banned prohibited substance until a sample is taken that does not breach the rule.
- The need to maintain the positive image of racing being a fair and honest sport conducted on a level playing field without any competitors having a potential unfair advantage over others.
- Previous penalties issued in relation to this substance.