GWIC suspends trainer Justin King amid ongoing investigation
The NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) has placed a Group 2-winning greyhound trainer under immediate suspension pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
Londonderry-based trainer Justin King, who won the 2021 Group 2 Richmond Derby final with Incapacitated, was immediately suspended from participating in the greyhound racing industry on December 15, 2023.
Due to a NSW Police investigation, GWIC opened a probe into Mr. King's eligibility for registration in NSW greyhound racing.
The NSW Police charges against King are alleged to be unrelated to the greyhound industry.
After examining the evidence and giving Mr. King a chance to present his case, the Commission invoked Rule 169(5)(c) of the Greyhound Racing Rules to impose an immediate suspension.
The GWIC investigation is ongoing.
GWIC informed Mr. King of his rights to request a review or appeal of the decision to suspend him.
GWIC chief operating officer Wade Birch and GWIC steward Paul Van Gestal made the determination to suspend King on December 15, 2023.
The NSW GWIC may impose interim disciplinary action upon participant registrations pending the completion of the commission's inquiry in which the particular participant is subject.
This can include an interim suspension under Rule 169(5)(c) of the GWIC Greyhound Racing Rules or disciplinary action under Section 59 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017.
A GWIC spokesperson said “the actions taken by GWIC demonstrate their commitment to upholding the integrity and well-being of the greyhound racing industry through investigations of any rule violations”.
King trained a number of greyhounds for prominent Llandilo-based greyhound breeder Kerry Drynan and Cranebrook-based breeder Barry Gibbons.
Many of those greyhounds, including Sivo Banner, who has won his past five starts in succession at Richmond, are yet to be transferred out of King's kennels and consequently are unable to race.