Graeme Bate Fires Back At GRV

Leading former trainer has been left nonplussed by the decision to remove him from the Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) Hall of Fame.

But Bate had a parting shot for GRV, saying it had wasted its money with its decision to appeal against the leniency of the two-year disqualification he was given by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in June for five serious rule breaches.

It was the first time GRV had appealed a decision of the independent for being too lenient and at the appeal in October, increased the penalty by one year, to a total of three years.

Bate said on Thursday he had no intention of returning to training even after a two-year disqualification and even if he did, he would have had to re-apply to GRV for his trainer's licence.

“The cost of that court case to get me an extra 12 months was $100,000,” he said.

“And I had already told them I wasn't going to go back training dogs anyway.

“How they can justify using $100,000 of greyhound racing money to do something that was already done … they didn't have to give me back my licence. I told them, I said i'm not interested in [coming back], I'm nearly 70 year old. I'm not going back.”

After the VCAT decision to extend the ban, GRV chairman Peter Caillard said on its website:

“The original decision to disqualify Mr Bate for just two years was too lenient and we believe the decision of VCAT to increase Mr Bate's penalty vindicates the ' decision to appeal.

“We have increased our swab numbers by 25 per cent in the past year, taking close to 4300 individual swabs. We now test out-of-competition, pre-race and post-race in addition to freezing and storing samples for retrospective testing.”

As for his removal from the , Bate said:

“They sent me an email yesterday. I haven't really got any thoughts about it. I'm just sort of all over it.”

Bate pleaded guilty to five serious offences under the (GAR) before the RADB on June 10 this year.

The charges included: administering a prohibited substance to a greyhound under his care; administering a prohibited substance to greyhounds trained by another person; procuring tablets for the purpose of administering to greyhounds; and making a false and misleading statement.

Caillard said in a statement on Thursday:

“This board has repeatedly stressed that it will not tolerate anyone using to gain an unfair advantage. More than ever before, the board of GRV has committed resources to detect and prevent their use. This includes the introduction of out-of-competition testing and the freezing of samples, with testing of those samples to commence shortly.”

Bate has found some positives in his enforced absence from the industry.

“It's the first time I've actually ever got to go and buy my own clothes and things … I have worked my butt off for this industry and in this industry all my life,” he said.

“It's changed my life actually and it's for the better.

“Because greyhound racing does completely entail you … you can't go on holidays, you can't do anything.”

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JennyAnthony
JennyAnthony
9 years ago

so graeme can sit back in retirement without any financial worries after ripping off trainers and owners, at least back until 2010, by winning not on ability, but on the ability to procure and administer drugs, almost 12000 of them. How many owners and trainers would have won all those group races and the money attached had they been run on an even playing field. We’re over you too Graeme.

Anonymous57
Anonymous57
9 years ago

I hope he is true to his word and never puts another hand on a racing greyhound, he is over it, well most that I talk to are over him and his associates, now let’s see the breeder /owner come out and say something in the media or give an interview

another growler
another growler
9 years ago

How sad. This mongrel worked his butt off for the industry???. Crap. He intentionally cheated every owner and trainer who raced against him for the last 40 years for his own greedy return. He should be in jail. If the GRV of years ago had any guts they would have charged him years ago after his incessant use of EPO .
Go rot in a dingy kennel Bate

Anonymous57
Anonymous57
9 years ago

The now question is, were the Wheeler dogs that have gone onto Stud duties during those times, were they ever the real deal. This is now a game changer, the game is changing

Fawn Dell Maibalz
Fawn Dell Maibalz
9 years ago

Kinda feel sorry for him in a way he has lost his whole livelihood, however this is a good step for the wellfare of the dogs

Jono Evans
Jono Evans
9 years ago

I never knew being a crook makes u a ledgend??

Brett El Oso Hastie
Brett El Oso Hastie
9 years ago

Yeah better start reading history.books champ plenty of offenders are considered legends.

Fawn Dell Maibalz
Fawn Dell Maibalz
9 years ago

I have a heart :)

Ashley Fellowes
Ashley Fellowes
9 years ago

Just marrs what is a wonderful sport if conducted legally.

Jono Evans
Jono Evans
9 years ago

Considered ledgends not actual ledgends,he’s a mug mate,and don’t call me champ,had a winner lately?

Fawn Dell Maibalz
Fawn Dell Maibalz
9 years ago

*Rolls eyes* I know this. Would still suck to lose everything, not saying he doesn’t deserve to ;) Like lance armstrong, yeah he cheated but he lost his livelihood and respect you can’t help feel a bit sorry for the guy and his family.

another growler
another growler
9 years ago

Can you imagine it!!
Wheeler: Geez Batesy what are we gunna do now?
Bate: yeah I know mate times are tough. We only won $15 mill the last 20 years.
Wheeler: How’s our new trainer coming along?
Bate: Sis is pick in it up pretty quick with my expert guidance. She thought they were Afghans when I first took em over. I explained to her, its just like M & M’s, they are all different colours. Anyway the Melb Cup will keep you going for a month.
Wheeler: But the Merc’s got a flat tyre. Fire up mate.

Recluse 60
Recluse 60
9 years ago

Fawn the guy was a cheat, he is a fully grown adult and is responsible for his own actions (as we all are) and knew exactly what he was doing, he’s been caught  a few times before and let off with a small fine (in his world) where others have been banned for the same offence.
He has made millions from greyhound racing on the back of cheating it appears. Will he be missed no I doubt it, hopefully the sport can move on and the swabs are increased so as to stop others trying the same.

Brett El Oso Hastie
Brett El Oso Hastie
9 years ago

Plenty.. that better climb down off your highorse and ill call ya whatever suits…compare resumes in this game anyday you want.

wannado
wannado
9 years ago

I thought the industry froze samples for future checks ,time if that’s fact we bring them out and test them.
maybe some of the real winners have been duped ,
Less talk grv more action get the prize money back to the real owners.

wannado
wannado
9 years ago

We know he is not the only one been getting away with murder in this industry,
go get the rest GRV they are out there .

Brian Hewwitt
Brian Hewwitt
9 years ago

another growler 
That’s the best thing someone could say about this scum and thief of a trainer.
He got away with blue murder when using EPO, now Jay Hunt is the trainer and being told what to do, I don’t see Pee Hunt as a trainer any more.  I can’t wait to see Hay Daily get her license disqualified.  It will happen to these thieves.

Brian Hewwitt
Brian Hewwitt
9 years ago

another growler  Thank you for some one saying about his cheating ways with EPO, that mystery powder that he used.  When I was training in Qld 20 odd years ago, every trainer knew up there he was using this mystery drug. Sad part is a trainer gets disqualified, there assistant knew about what was going on, then they get to train the dogs whilst the original trainer does his time. Lets name these trainers. Pee Giles gets done, daughter trains them Bate gets done – daily trains them Bate gets done again – Jay Hunt trains them. Have some ball… Read more »

FionaCollins
FionaCollins
9 years ago

Anonymous57 same game different scams,  there are many pups out there that arent what the buyer thought were.

t_woof
t_woof
9 years ago

DirtyCowboys1 pandamanracing GreyhoundRacing Bate not training anymore, please! He’s been pulling the string @ Hunt kennel since susp.

t_woof
t_woof
9 years ago

DirtyCowboys1 pandamanracing GreyhoundRacing Bate not training anymore, please! He’s been pulling the strings @ J.Hunt kennel since susp.

Scott David Smith
Scott David Smith
9 years ago

Who knows if he cheated his way to the top before the drug testing was avaliable hence the Big question mark thats why . . U say no one ever will top his achievement but again big question mark if he was actually clean all of his career . . . . I used to love him but . . . . .

FionaCollins
FionaCollins
9 years ago

Ummmm,,,NO!

FionaCollins
FionaCollins
9 years ago

l-e-g-e-n-d-s

FionaCollins
FionaCollins
9 years ago

are you a body builder?

FionaCollins
FionaCollins
9 years ago

Oh, come on fawn, thats like sayin you feel sorry for the Mafia

Kylie hunt
Kylie hunt
9 years ago

fiona you remind me of the tin man from the wisard of oz showing yr true colours here we all see wat a pathetic evil cow you are

intheknow
intheknow
9 years ago

Recluse 60 Here here, well said so very true.  Look at the foul mouths and disgusting spelling and grammar from his progeny – the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree in this case.  Best hundred grand the GRV have ever spent, keep the cheats and DRUNKS out of the game.

JennyAnthony
JennyAnthony
9 years ago

sis picked it up and then some. Amphetamines!!!

JennyAnthony
JennyAnthony
9 years ago

so graeme can sit back in retirement without any financial worries after ripping off trainers and owners, at least back until 2010, by winning not on ability, but on the ability to procure and administer drugs, almost 12000 of them. How many owners and trainers would have won all those group races and the money attached had they been run on an even playing field. We’re over you too Graeme.

Anonymous57
Anonymous57
9 years ago

I hope he is true to his word and never puts another hand on a racing greyhound, he is over it, well most that I talk to are over him and his associates, now let’s see the breeder /owner come out and say something in the media or give an interview

another growler
another growler
9 years ago

How sad. This mongrel worked his butt off for the industry???. Crap. He intentionally cheated every owner and trainer who raced against him for the last 40 years for his own greedy return. He should be in jail. If the GRV of years ago had any guts they would have charged him years ago after his incessant use of EPO .

Go rot in a dingy kennel Bate

Anonymous57
Anonymous57
9 years ago

The now question is, were the Wheeler dogs that have gone onto Stud duties during those times, were they ever the real deal. This is now a game changer, the game is changing 

Fawn Dell Maibalz
Fawn Dell Maibalz
9 years ago

Kinda feel sorry for him in a way he has lost his whole livelihood, however this is a good step for the wellfare of the dogs

Jono Evans
Jono Evans
9 years ago

I never knew being a crook makes u a ledgend??

Brett El Oso Hastie
Brett El Oso Hastie
9 years ago

Yeah better start reading history.books champ plenty of offenders are considered legends.

Fawn Dell Maibalz
Fawn Dell Maibalz
9 years ago

I have a heart :)

Ashley Fellowes
Ashley Fellowes
9 years ago

Just marrs what is a wonderful sport if conducted legally.

Jono Evans
Jono Evans
9 years ago

Considered ledgends not actual ledgends,he’s a mug mate,and don’t call me champ,had a winner lately?

Fawn Dell Maibalz
Fawn Dell Maibalz
9 years ago

*Rolls eyes* I know this. Would still suck to lose everything, not saying he doesn’t deserve to ;) Like lance armstrong, yeah he cheated but he lost his livelihood and respect you can’t help feel a bit sorry for the guy and his family.

another growler
another growler
9 years ago

Can you imagine it!!

Wheeler: Geez Batesy what are we gunna do now?

Bate: yeah I know mate times are tough. We only won mill the last 20 years.

Wheeler: How’s our new trainer coming along?

Bate: Sis is pick in it up pretty quick with my expert guidance. She thought they were Afghans when I first took em over. I explained to her, its just like M & M’s, they are all different colours. Anyway the Melb Cup will keep you going for a month.

Wheeler: But the Merc’s got a flat tyre. Fire up mate.

Recluse 60
Recluse 60
9 years ago

Fawn the guy was a cheat, he is a fully grown adult and is responsible for his own actions (as we all are) and knew exactly what he was doing, he’s been caught  a few times before and let off with a small fine (in his world) where others have been banned for the same offence.

He has made millions from greyhound racing on the back of cheating it appears. Will he be missed no I doubt it, hopefully the sport can move on and the swabs are increased so as to stop others trying the same. 

Brett El Oso Hastie
Brett El Oso Hastie
9 years ago

Plenty.. that better climb down off your highorse and ill call ya whatever suits…compare resumes in this game anyday you want.

wannado
wannado
9 years ago

I thought the industry froze samples for future checks ,time if that’s fact we bring them out and test them.

maybe some of the real winners have been duped ,

Less talk grv more action get the prize money back to the real owners.

wannado
wannado
9 years ago

We know he is not the only one been getting away with murder in this industry,

go get the rest GRV they are out there .

Brian Hewwitt
Brian Hewwitt
9 years ago

another growler 

That’s the best thing someone could say about this scum and thief of a trainer.

He got away with blue murder when using EPO, now Jay Hunt is the trainer and being told what to do, I don’t see Pee Hunt as a trainer any more.  I can’t wait to see Hay Daily get her license disqualified.  It will happen to these thieves. 

Brian Hewwitt
Brian Hewwitt
9 years ago

another growler  Thank you for some one saying about his cheating ways with EPO, that mystery powder that he used.  When I was training in Qld 20 odd years ago, every trainer knew up there he was using this mystery drug. Sad part is a trainer gets disqualified, there assistant knew about what was going on, then they get to train the dogs whilst the original trainer does his time. Lets name these trainers. Pee Giles gets done, daughter trains them Bate gets done – daily trains them Bate gets done again – Jay Hunt trains them. Have some ball… Read more »

FionaCollins
FionaCollins
9 years ago

Anonymous57 same game different scams,  there are many pups out there that arent what the buyer thought were.

t_woof
t_woof
9 years ago

DirtyCowboys1 pandamanracing GreyhoundRacing Bate not training anymore, please! He’s been pulling the string @ Hunt kennel since susp.

t_woof
t_woof
9 years ago

DirtyCowboys1 pandamanracing GreyhoundRacing Bate not training anymore, please! He’s been pulling the strings @ J.Hunt kennel since susp.