Four Month Disqualification For Anabolic Steroid Positive
Greyhound Racing NSW Stewards inquired into analyst’s reports that the urine sample taken from Phantoms after that greyhound had won Race 3, the Greyhound Products Direct Stake 520m at Dapto on 12 April 2012 had been analysed and found to contain the prohibited substances 17a-methyl-5a-androstane-3b, 17b-diol, a metabolite of an anabolic steroid.
17a-methyl-5a-androstane-3b, 17b-diol is acknowledged in scientific papers as being a metabolite of the anabolic steroid Oxymetholone, more widely known as Anadrol.
Evidence was taken from trainer Paul Bigeni and Dr Adam Cawley from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL). Written evidence was entered from Dr Craig Suann, the ARFL Senior Veterinarian, and the Queensland Racing Science Centre.
Mr Bigeni pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 83(2)(a) in that he presented Phantoms for the race in question other than free of a prohibited substance in that the urine sample taken from the greyhound was found to contain 17a-methyl-5a-androstane-3b, 17b-diol.
Mr Bigeni was disqualified for a period of four months. In determining penalty, Stewards took into consideration Mr Bigeni’s guilty plea, his 43 year period of registration, the past 10 years without blemish, and Mr Bigeni’s carelessness with regards to the security of his greyhound at the track. Penalties for breaches of this rule involving similar substances were also considered.
Under GAR 83(4) Phantoms was disqualified from the event and the placings amended accordingly.
Mr Bigeni was advised of his right of appeal.