John Pay Fined $2000 For Positive Swab
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today conducted an Inquiry into the analyst's findings in respect of a urine sample taken from the registered greyhound Freddie Finch which competed in race 10 at the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club on 7 February 2014.
After taking evidence from Mr John Pay the trainer of Freddie Finch, and Dr. Bruce Young of the Racing Science Centre, Stewards issued a charge against Mr Pay pursuant to Greyhounds Australasia Rule 83 (2)(a), which reads:
“The owner, trainer or person in charge of a greyhound nominated to compete in an event shall present the greyhound free of a prohibited substance.”
The specifics of the charge were that on 7 February 2014, John Pay, as the licensed trainer of the greyhound Freddie Finch, did present that greyhound to compete in race 10 at the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club, when a urine sample taken from the greyhound prior to competing in that race was found, upon analysis, to contain the prohibited substances Caffeine, Theophylline, Paraxanthine and Theobromine.
Mr Pay pleaded guilty to the charge.
When assessing an appropriate penalty, Stewards took into account the personal circumstances of Mr Pay, the honest and forthright evidence he provided and his involvement in the industry over a long period. Stewards also had to consider that breaches of this nature have the capacity to impact the good image of the sport of greyhound racing. Subsequently, Mr Pay was fined $2000.
Under the provisions of Greyhounds Australasia Rule 83 (4) Freddie Finch was disqualified from its 5th placing in race 10 at the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club on 7 February 2014.
The placing from the 431m 5th Grade held on 7 February 2014 were amended accordingly.