Barry Wells Fined And Disqualified For Heptaminol Positive

Offence:

GAR 83 (1) and 83 (2) (3)

(1) Mr. Barry Wells the trainer of the greyhound HECAN BOLT, which was nominated to compete in an Event, namely, Race 10, the – Mixed 4/5, conducted by the Greyhound Racing Club at Healesville on Sunday, 3 August 2014, did administer or cause to be administered the prohibited substance for the purpose of affecting the greyhound's condition, behaviour or performance in the Event.

(2) Mr. Barry Wells the trainer of the greyhound HECAN BOLT, which was nominated to compete in an Event, namely, Race 10, the AWESOME LODGE – Mixed 4/5, conducted by the Healesville Greyhound Racing Club at Healesville on Sunday, 3 August 2014, did fail on that date to present the greyhound free of any prohibited substance, given that a pre race urine sample taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substance Heptaminol.

Report:

Following advice from the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of a pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound ‘Hecan Bolt' at the Healesville Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Sunday, 3 August 2014.

During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mr. Barry Wells, Mr. Paul Zahra (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Steven Karamatic (Greyhound Racing Industry Veterinary Officer).

After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Wells with a breach of as indicated in charges (1) to (2) above.

Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules a breach of GAR83 (1) and GAR83 (2)(3) constitute Serious Offences.

As a result, on Monday, 15 December 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. Barry Wells did not attend the Hearing.

Mr. Ron Matthews (GRV ) represented the Stewards .
After hearing all the evidence tendered and having regard to GAR83 (1) and GAR83 (2) (3), the RADB determined that: (the Stewards having withdrawn charge 1)

In relation to charge (2), Mr. Wells was guilty as charged and disqualified him for 2 years effective from completion of this present period of disqualification, he was also fined $2,000.

Acting under GAR83(4), the RADB also disqualified ‘Hecan Bolt' from Event 10 – The AWESOME LODGE – Mixed 4/5 – at the Healesville Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Sunday, 3 August 2014 and amended the placing's as follows:

1st Transcend Time
2nd Lost Profits
3rd Centralian
4th Dirty Mary
5th Under Threat
6th Gino Keeping
Disqualified Hecan Bolt

In assessing penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:

(a) Mr. Wells' failure to attend the hearing;

(b) The nature of the prohibited substance Heptaminol;

(c) The need to maintain the of greyhound racing and ensure a level playing field for all participants; and

(d) Prior penalties for similar offences and Mr. Wells record of prior offences.

ARG Opinion:

GRV has been very consistent in their handling of positive swabs and this hearing has resulted in yet another firm decision. It reinforces their adamant stance that that will not be tolerated within the Victorian greyhound racing industry.

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