Jeff Hanson Fined & Suspended For Caffeine Positive Swab Caused By Father

Greyhound on Wednesday 29 February concluded an into the analyst's reports that the urine sample taken from Defying Gravity after that greyhound won Race 8 at C meeting on 1 October 2012 had been found to contain and its metabolites.

Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Jeff Hanson, licensed attendant Mr Trevor Hanson (father of Jeff ), syndicate manager which owns Defying Gravity, Mr Kevin Ovington, and Dr Adam Cawley from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory. Written evidence was entered from Ms Melissa Hayward, the ARFL, and Racing Analytical Services Ltd.

Mr Jeff Hanson was charged with a breach of GAR 83(2) (a) in that he presented Defying Gravity for the race in question, other than free of a prohibited substance, in that the urine sample taken from the greyhound after the race had been found to contain the caffeine and it's metabolites. Mr Hanson pleaded guilty to this charge.

The inquiry heard that on the morning of the race, and also on arrival at the track Mr Trevor Hanson had administered 2 “No Doze” tablets to Defying Gravity without the knowledge or consent of Mr Jeff Hanson, knowing that it contained caffeine, and for the express purpose of assisting the greyhound's performance. This advice wasn't passed onto Mr Jeff Hanson until 29 October 2012, after the confirmatory analysis, and a subsequent kennel inspection by Stewards.

Although Mr Trevor Hanson failed to appear personally at the inquiry, a written statement was submitted, and a telephone interview conducted, with full admissions made.

After considering all of the submissions in this case, Mr Hanson's training licence was suspended for a period of three months, and a fine of $400 imposed. In the particular circumstances of the case, the suspension was stayed in full on the condition that Mr Hanson not reoffend under the prohibited substance in the next two years.

In determining penalty, Stewards took into consideration Mr Hanson's limited culpability, the absolution of the relationship between Jeff and Trevor Hanson, Mr Jeff Hanson's admission of guilt, his general contrition, previous similar penalties in such circumstances, Mr Hanson's present investment in greyhound racing and his previously unblemished record in relation to prohibited substances.

Defying Gravity was disqualified from the race in question and the placings amended accordingly.

Mr Trevor Hanson has been asked to answer a charge under GAR 83 (1). The hearing of this charge will take place at a date to be fixed.

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