Steven Long Fined $1000 For Positive Swab
Offence Charged:
Mr. Steven Long failed to present the greyhound Midnight Strike free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club on Monday, 23 June 2014.
Report:
Following advice from Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound Midnight Strike at the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Monday, 23 June 2014.
During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mr. Steven Long, Mr. David Batty (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Steven Karamatic (Greyhound Racing Industry Veterinary Officer).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Long with a breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rules 83(2) and (3) in that he did fail to present the greyhound Midnight Strike free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Monday, 23 June 2014 given that the pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substance ‘Prednisone and Prednisolone'.
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, 20 October 2014 this matter was heard 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. Steven Long represented himself.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. Steven Long pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered, the RADB determined that Mr. Long was guilty as charged and imposed a fine of $1,000 (with $500 of this amount suspended for a period of 12 months pending no further breaches of GAR83 (2) and (3) in that period).
In assessing the penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:
(a) Mr. Longs' guilty plea;
(b) The nature of the prohibited substance Prednisone and Prednisolone and how and when the offences occurred;
(c) The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing and ensure a level playing field for all participants;
(d) Prior penalties for similar category 2 prohibited substance offences;
(e) Mr. Longs' character and his clean history in the greyhound industry.
Acting under GAR83(4), the RADB also disqualified Midnight Strike from Event 7 – The Sita Australia – Grade 5 – at the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Monday, 23 June 2014 and amended the placings accordingly.
What are Prednisone and Prednisolone?
Prednisone is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids and Prednisolone is in a class of drugs called steroids. In humans they are used for different inflammatory or autoimmune diseases and conditions. In dogs it's a prescription drug used to treat various conditions such as Addison's disease, inflammation from arthritis, allergies, and certain autoimmune diseases.