Greyhound stewards’ inquiry – trainer Morgan Turner
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards have today concluded an inquiry into a report from the ChemCentre in Perth, which stated that dexamethasone had been detected in the pre-race urine sample taken from Shadow Monelli prior to competing in and finishing eighth in Race 7 at Cannington on 5 November 2022. This finding was verified by the Racing Analytical Services in Victoria.
Evidence was taken from the trainer of Shadow Monelli, Mr Morgan Turner, RWWA Senior Investigator Mr Tony Walton, RWWA Head of Veterinary Services Dr Judith Medd and ChemCentre Analyst Ms Elise Cook.
Mr Turner pleaded guilty to two charges, the first under rule 141 (1) (a), in that he as the trainer, presented Shadow Monelli to race in Race 7 at Cannington on 5 November 2022, where it raced and finished eighth, not free of the prohibited substance dexamethasone.
The second charge was under rule 151 (1), in that he as the trainer and person in charge of the greyhound Shadow Monelli failed to comply with the provisions of rule 151 (1) in that he did not record the details of the treatment of dexamethasone, administered by him, to that greyhound in the days leading up to its race start at Cannington on 5 November 2022.
In relation to the first charge under rule 141 (1) (a) Mr Turner was fined the sum of $5,000.
In relation to the second charge under rule 151 (1) Mr Turner was fined the sum of $300.
When considering penalty, the stewards took the following into account:
- Mr Turner’s personal circumstances and significant level of involvement within the industry.
- His pleas of guilty and his clean record since he commenced his involvement in the industry.
- Previous penalties imposed in relation to this substance and the need for deterrence both general and specific.
- That the detection of such substances in greyhounds that are presented for racing, was a serious matter as it had potential to tarnish the confidence in racing being conducted on a level playing field.
- The importance of trainers maintaining records of all substances in their possession and treatments of all greyhounds in their care.
Acting under rule 141 (4) Shadow Monelli has been disqualified from finishing eighth in Race 7 at Cannington on 5 November 2022, with the commensurate implications for any prize money.
A direction pursuant to rule 169 (5) (a) preventing Shadow Monelli from being permitted to compete in or be nominated for a race, has now been lifted.