John Eva Disqualified For Four Months For Methylsynephrine Positive
Victorian greyhound trainer John Eva has been disqualified for presenting his greyhound With The Lot at a Shepparton greyhound race meeting under the influence of the stimulant Methylsynephrine.
Following advice from the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of a pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound ‘With The Lot' at the Shepparton GRC meeting on 4th April, 2011.
During the investigation, Stewards heard evidence from registered Trainer Mr. John Eva and received written statements from Dr. John Vine (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Alistair Smith (Sandown Veterinary Clinic).
Methylsynephrine is an ephedrine like stimulant that is used many diet and weight loss supplements including those used in bodybuilding products. In addition to any stimulant properties, Methylsynephrine can increase vasodilation in skeletal muscle which is a desirable characteristic when considering perfusion and oxygen transport to muscles during exercise.
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Eva with breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rule 83(2) and (3) in that he did fail to present the greyhound ‘With The Lot' free of any substance for an event at the Shepparton GRC meeting on Monday, 4th April, 2011, given the pre race urine sample taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substance ‘Methylsynephrine'.
Dr. John. Vine (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) was called as a witness.
Mr. John Eva represented himself at the RADB Hearing.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. Eva pleaded not guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered, the RADB found Mr. Eva guilty as charged and disqualified his licence for 4 months, with 1 month suspended effective Tuesday, 11th October, 2011, pending not being found guilty of a similar offence occurring within the next 12 months.
Acting under GAR83(5), the RADB also disqualified ‘With The Lot' from Race 12 at the Shepparton GRC meeting held on 4th April, 2011.