Douglas Warren Suspended Six Months For Positive Swab
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards have completed an inquiry into analysts' reports that the urine sample taken from Amalia Allen – after that greyhound had been placed second in Race 6 at the Wagga Wagga Greyhound Club's meeting on 12 May 2013 – had been analysed and confirmed to contain the testosterone metabolite 5beta-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol at a level in excess of 10 ng/ml in urine as specified in GAR 83 (6) as an exempted level in urine taken from a bitch.
Evidence was taken from trainer Douglas Warren and registered owner Brian Keefe. Written evidence was submitted from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL), ARFL Senior Veterinarian Dr Craig Suann, Racing Science Centre Qld and GRNSW.
The inquiry heard that Amalia Allen had been exhibiting signs of coming on season three days prior to the race day in question. Mr Keefe, who shares the residence with Mr Warren and his partner, had then administered half a millilitre of what he believed to be Testaprop, but what was actually Ropel, which is twice the level of testosterone concentration recommended for use in keeping bitches off season. This evidence was consistent with the laboratory reports of a level of the metabolite at a comparatively moderate level.
Notwithstanding these submissions, as the trainer responsible for the presentation of Amalia Allen, Mr Warren is held responsible for the care of the bitch at all times, particularly in the circumstances described.
Mr Warren pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) in that he presented Amalia Allen for the race in question other than free of any prohibited substance.
Following submissions on penalty, Mr Warren was suspended for a period of six months, concluding at midnight on 9 September 2014. Mr Keefe was reprimanded.
In assessing penalty consideration was given to Mr Warren's previously unblemished record, his guilty plea, his personal circumstances, and a low number of samples submitted previously. Consideration was also given to his co-operation with the inquiry and at notification of the irregularity, and the absence of any significant kennel support for Amalia Allen, cognisant of its second placing in the event.
Notwithstanding these factors a measure of negligence had been shown in the administration of Ropel, leading to the moderate level of the metabolite reported, the lack of proper record keeping in relation to use of a Category 3 substance and that a measure of both specific and general deterrence should be implied in these circumstances.
Amalia Allen was disqualified from the event and the placings amended accordingly.