Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board / 46-50 Chetwynd St
West Melbourne
Victoria 3003
Ph (03) 8329 1100
Fax (03) 8329 1000
Media Release
12 October 2015
Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board
Date of Hearing:Monday, 12 October 2015
Venue of Hearing:RADB Hearing Room, Level 2, Chetwynd St, West Melbourne
Panel:Mr. John Wardle (Chairman), Mr. Terry O’Connor (Deputy Chairman), and Mr. John Hutchison
Name of Person Charged:Mr. Dallas Moore
Suburb:Kialla
Track:BendigoGreyhound Racing Club
Date:Wednesday, 27 May 2015
GAR No:83 (2)(3)
Offence Charged:Mr. Dallas Moorefailed to present the greyhound ‘Startin To Shake’ free of any prohibited substance for an event at the BendigoGreyhound Racing Club on Wednesday, 27 May2015.
REPORT:
Following advice from Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of a post-race urine sample taken from the greyhound ‘Startin ToShake’ at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Association on Wednesday, 27 May 2015.
During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mr. Dallas Moore, Mr. David Batty (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Steven Karamatic (Greyhound Racing Industry Veterinary Officer).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Dallas Moorewith a breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rules83(2) and (3)in that he did fail to present the greyhound ‘Startin To Shake’free of any prohibited substance for an event at the BendigoGreyhound Racing Association meeting held on Wednesday, 27 May 2015 given that the post-race urine sample taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substances ‘Dehydromorketamine’ and ‘Procaine’.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules a breach of GAR83 (2) and (3) constitutes a Serious Offence. As a result, on Monday, 12 October 2015 this matter washeard before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in the first instance under Greyhound Local Racing Rule 47.3 and Sections 83C(b) and 83M(1) of the Racing Act.
Mr. Dallas Moorerepresented himself.
Mr. Ron Matthews (GRV Steward)represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. Dallas Moore pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered, the RADB determined thatMr. Moore was guilty as charged and fined him $500 and he was also disqualified for a period of 3 months (wholly suspended for 12 months pending no further breaches of GAR79A and GAR83 during this 12 month period),effective from Monday, 12 October 2015.
In determining penalty, the Board took into account the special circumstances in this case, including the following matters:
(a)Mr. Moore’s guilty plea;
(b)The nature of the prohibited substances ‘Dehydromorketamine’ (a category 4 substance under the Prohibited Substances Penalty Guidelines published by GRV) and ‘Procaine’ (a category 2 substance);
(c)It was accepted by the parties and the Board that the likely source of the prohibited substances in this instance was the dog’s ingestion of knackery meat purchased from the Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club;
(d)The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing and ensure a level playing field for all participants;
(e)Prior penalties forprocaine offences. Although this was noted to be the first positive swab involving Dehydromorketamine, the Board was assisted by a list of prior penalties in food chain casesinvolving morphine (also category 4) from poppy seeds in bread;
(f)GRV has advised participants regularly in the past of the dangers of feeding greyhounds knackery meat;
(g)The greyhound ran up to its usual form;
(h)Mr. Moore’s clean history in the greyhound industry for more than 20 years;
(i)Mr. Moore was the manager of a local financial institution in Shepparton and well known in the community and was embarrassed by the offence; and
(j)Mr. Moore’s presentation before the Board.
The Board recognises that general deterrence and denunciation are sentencing principles to apply prohibited substance cases. The presence of Hydromorketamine, a category 4 substance, introduces a new spectre of food chain positive swabs. This is the first one of its kind.Having regard to the special circumstances here, future cases may not be treated in the same way.
Acting under GAR83(4), the RADB also disqualified ‘Startin’ to Shake’ from Event 6 – the Bendigo Advertiser –425m Maiden - at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Association meeting held on Wednesday, 27 May 2015 and amended the placings as follows:
1st / Go Lakers Go / 5th / Cool Sam2nd / She’s All Aussie / 6th / Don’s Chief
3rd / Moto Sos / 7th / Demtel
4th / Jack Bauer / Disqualified / Startin To Shake
...... End......
For More Information:
Pat Griffin
RADB Registrar
(03) 8329 1102
The Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board (RADB) is established under section 83B of the Racing Act (1958). The RADB is an independent Board established to hear and determine appeals in relation to decisions made under the rules to impose penalties on persons and to hear and determine charges made against persons for serious offences.