Stewards Inquiry – Mr Joshua Jovanovic
23 February, 2016
Greyhound
RWWA Stewards today completed their inquiry with respect to Greyhound Owner/Trainer/Attendant Mr Joshua Jovanovic after the discovery of four bagged tablets on the floor of the main kennel building during the race meeting held at Greyhounds WA Mandurah on 30 January 2016.
The four tablets were analysed by the ChemCentre in Perth, Western Australia who identified them as Dexamphetamine tablets.
Security vision was obtained from the On-Course Kennel Security Cameras from the evening of 30 January 2016 and evidence was heard from Dr Judith Medd, the RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian, Mr Jovanovic and Public Trainer/Breeder Mr John Iwanyk.
Today, Mr Jovanovic pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 84B in relation to possession of a prohibited substance, namely Amphetamine, at Greyhounds’ WA Mandurah on 30 January 2016.
After hearing submissions, the Stewards determined that in the absence of several unique and mitigating factors, a disqualification period of twelve (12) months was appropriate for the offence, however after taking these matters into consideration a disqualification of nine (9) months was imposed.
In considering an appropriate penalty, Stewards took into account, amongst other things;
- Mr Jovanovic’s previous clean record and good standing in Greyhound Racing
- The serious nature of the prohibited substance found, being an Amphetamine
- Mr Jovanovic’s youth and personal circumstances (which were compelling)
- The circumstances of the offence
- The need for a deterrent, both specific and general
- The guilty plea at the first opportunity, his co-operations and forthright manner in accepting his culpability
- The inherent danger of greyhounds being exposed to the possibility of an inadvertent ingestion of Amphetamine and the catastrophic consequences that would arise for any other person who may be impacted.
Given that Mr Jovanovic had been stood down pending the outcome of this inquiry, the Stewards commenced the disqualification term as of 30 January 2016 and it will therefore now expire at midnight on 29 October 2016.
Media Contact
Mr Carlos Martins
Chief Steward – Greyhounds
9445 5220