Frances Scerri Disqualified For 3 Months For Positive Swab
New South Wales greyhound trainer Frances Scerri has been disqualified for 3 months for presenting her greyhound, Black Luna to race under the influence of the drug Tolfenamic Acid.
Tolfenamic Acid is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory which is commonly marketed for Veterinary applications as Tolfedine and is commonly prescibed for chronic pain and inflammatory condiotions in dogs.
New South Wales GHRRA Stewards conducted an Inquiry into the positive finding of Tolfenamic Acid in the urine sample taken from Black Luna when it competed at the Dapto Non TAB Meeting on 18th December 2008.
On the day in question Black Luna won her first race in 8 attempts, leading all the way winning by 10.5 lengths, running 17.49 for the 297m trip. Black Luna has had 3 more non winning runs since that start.
Trainer Frances Scerri pleaded not guilty to a breach of Rule 83(2)(a) in that she failed to present Black Luna for racing drug free.
After consideration, Frances Scerri was found in breach of the Rule and disqualified for three months, commencing 12th March 2009.
Black Luna was disqualified from the event.
Frances Scerri was advised of her rights of Appeal.