William Baldock Fined And Disqualified
Offences:
GAR 86 (y), GAR 86 (p), GAR 86 (o), GAR 86 (f)
(1) Mr. William Baldock the Owner/Handler of the greyhound “Noaki Lynx”, did on the 13 August 2014, at the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club meeting, apply a substance to the greyhound ‘Noaki Lynx' for the purpose of affecting the performance or behaviour of the greyhound in event 11.
(2) Mr. William Baldock the Owner/Handler of the greyhound “Noaki Lynx”, did on the 13 August 2014, at the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club meeting, disobey and fail to comply with the lawful order of Steward Mr. Carl Scott by way of leaving the Stewards room during an inquiry when requested not to do so and left the course without Stewards permission.
(3) Mr. William Baldock the Owner/Handler of the greyhound “Noaki Lynx”, did on the 13 August 2014, at the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club meeting, engage in conduct (inappropriate language) at Stewards in the kennels and stewards room, which in the opinion of Stewards was improper or constitutes misconduct.
(4) Mr. William Baldock the Owner/Handler of the greyhound “Noaki Lynx”, did on the 13 August 2014, at the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club kennel block, engage in improper, insulting, and offensive behaviour towards Steward Mr. Ian Kennedy by way of grabbing his arm in an aggressive manner.
Report:
The Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the behaviour of Mr. William Baldock at the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Wednesday, 13 August 2014.
During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mr. William Baldock, Mr. Ian Kennedy (Steward), Mr. Terry Adamson (Steward) and Dr. Barbara Backhoy (Veterinary Surgeon).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Baldock with breaches of Greyhounds Australasia Rules as indicated in charges (1) to (4) above.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules a breach of 86 (y), 86 (p), 86 (o) and 86 (f) constitute Serious Offences. As a result, on Thursday, 23 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. William Baldock failed to appear at the hearing.
Dr. Brian Williams (GRV Steward in Charge – Integrity Assurance) and Mr. Carl Scott (GRV Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
After hearing all the evidence tendered and having regard to GAR 86 (y), 86 (p), 86 (o) and 86 (f), the RADB determined that:
(a) in relation to charge (1), Mr. Baldock was found guilty as charged and he was fined $1,500;
(b) in relation to charge (2), Mr. Baldock was found guilty as charged and he was fined $500 and disqualified for 12 months;
(c) in relation to charge (3), Mr. Baldock was found guilty as charged and he was fined $1,000 and disqualified for 12 months; and
(d) in relation to charge (4), Mr. Baldock was found guilty as charged and he was disqualified for 5 years with the period of disqualification in this charge and charge (2) and (3) to be served concurrently.
In assessing penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:
(a) Mr. Baldocks' failure to attend;
(b) The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing;
(c) Prior penalties for similar offences;
(d) Mr. Baldocks' complete disregard for the rules of the industry and inappropriate
behaviour .