Greyhound Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr. David Hobby (TWIX MONELLI)
Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) Stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports from the ChemCentre and the Queensland Racing Science Centre advising that Tolfenamic Acid had been detected in a post-race urine sample taken from TWIX MONLLI after competing in, and winning, Race 6 at Greyhounds WA Mandurah on 10 March 2020.
At an inquiry conducted on Thursday 28 May 2020 Mr Hobby pleaded guilty to a charge under Greyhound Rule of Racing GAR 83 (2)(a) as follows;
That Mr D. Hobby, as the trainer and a registered person with RWWA, presented TWIX MONELLI to compete in Race 6 at Mandurah on 10 March 2020 not free of the prohibited substance TOLFENAMIC ACID.
During the inquiry, Stewards heard evidence from T1 Trainer Mr David Hobby, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr J. Medd, ChemCentre Analyst Ms E. Cook and RWWA Stewards Compliance Officer Mrs F. Bennett.
The Stewards took into consideration:
- That Tolfenamic Acid was an anti-inflammatory, registered veterinary medication intended for and commonly used in cattle.
- That there was no evidence of Mr Hobby possessing or using this substance at any time.
- That TWIX MONELLI had been racing consistently without any record of injury.
- The evidence of Dr Medd in relation to the possibility of this substance being inadvertently ingested through contaminated meat.
- The evidence of Mr Hobby’s Pet Meat supplier in regards to how their meat is sourced and processed.
- Previous cases involving findings that contamination of a feed source was the most likely explanation for the appearance of a prohibited substance.
- Mr Hobby’s clear record of presenting greyhounds free of prohibited substances over many years as a professional trainer.
- The acknowledgement of the offence and that Mr Hobby had been co-operative and respectful and had behaved in a professional manner at all stages of the investigation and subsequent inquiry.
The Stewards after considering all evidence presented were satisfied that the most likely source of the Tolfenamic Acid was through the ingestion of meat.
Taking all matters into account, the Stewards determined to impose a fine of $3,000.
Acting under GAR 83 (4), TWIX MONELLI has been disqualified as the winner of Race 6 at Greyhounds WA Mandurah on 10 March 2020 with the commensurate implications to placings, and return and re-issue of stake money to apply.
The direction previously imposed under Rule 92 (5) (a) preventing TWIX MONELLI from being nominated for an event now ceases to apply and it is free to be nominated and compete in races.