Stewards Inquiry – Mr Glenn Graham
27 August, 2015
Greyhound
On Monday 24 August 2015, RWWA Stewards opened an inquiry into the conduct and actions of trainer Mr Glenn Graham during public trials at Greyhounds WA Mandurah held on 20 July 2015 following a greyhound under his control (OLDMATE HOOCH) sustaining a serious injury during a trial.
Evidence was taken from RWWA Deputy Chief Steward Mr Paul Searle who had conducted the investigation into the matter, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd, Mr Glenn Graham and his representative, RWWA Steward Mr Norm Goold and licensed persons Mr B Daniels and Mr T Mullany who were in attendance on 20 July 2015.
Mr Graham subsequently pleaded guilty to the following charges;
1. Charge under RWWA Greyhound Rule of Racing 86 (o) – with the particulars of the charge being that at Greyhounds WA Mandurah on 20 July 2015, Mr Graham failed to give full attention and priority to obtaining veterinary treatment for OLDMATE HOOCH following it sustaining a serious injury, by proceeding to trial another greyhound, whilst OLDMATE HOOCH remained in the kennel block which in the opinion of the Stewards is improper.
2. Charge under RWWA Greyhound Rule of Racing 86 (d) – with the particulars of the charge being that on 24 July 2015, during an investigation and official interview being conducted by Deputy Chief Steward Mr Paul Searle, Mr Graham being a registered trainer with RWWA, made a misleading statement to him by denying he had personally trialled a greyhound after OLDMATE HOOCH had sustained a serious injury.
Mr Graham was disqualified for 4-months for each offence to be served concurrently.
In considering penalty Stewards took into account a number of factors including;
- Mr Graham’s plea of guilty to both charges, his remorse, long history of involvement in the sport and overall good record during that time.
- The seriousness of the matter and the need for penalty to serve as a deterrent to others.
- That Mr Graham had made some effort to find an available veterinarian out of hours before deciding to trial another greyhound after those initial efforts were unsuccessful.
- That upon being provided with the emergency contact list for veterinarians he did then act immediately to convey the greyhound to a veterinary hospital.
- That the injury to the greyhound, although serious, was not immediately life threating.
- Past precedent in relation to the rules in question.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica
General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427 denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au