NSW trainer Gary Payton disqualified 19 months for rule breaches
The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) has handed down a 19-month disqualification to greyhound trainer Gary Payton following a series of welfare-related rule breaches.
The decision, made by Senior Steward Zane Turner on February 25, 2025, follows an investigation into Payton’s kennel operations, revealing multiple violations of the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice and GWIC Greyhound Racing Rules.
Charges and Findings
The investigation into Payton’s kennel practices commenced on April 11, 2024, when Commission staff conducted an inspection at his registered kennel address. The inspection uncovered breaches related to inadequate kennel conditions, insufficient veterinary care, poor ventilation, and failure to maintain proper light cycles for housed greyhounds.
A formal Notice of Charge and Proposed Disciplinary Action was issued on February 7, 2025, listing six charges under the Rules of Racing and three under the Code of Practice. At a hearing held on February 21, 2025, Payton pleaded guilty to eight of the nine charges, with Charge 2 under Rule 21(1)(d) ultimately not proven and withdrawn.
Penalties Imposed
After considering Payton’s guilty pleas, verbal submissions, disciplinary history, and personal circumstances, the decision-maker determined the following penalties:
- 19-month disqualification for failing to provide necessary veterinary attention (Charge 1 – R21(1)(d)).
- 4-month disqualification for each of the following charges:
- Failure to maintain adequate kennels (Charges 3 and 4 – R21(1)(c)).
- Failure to provide proper sleeping arrangements (Charge 5 – Standard 5.12(a)).
- Inadequate ventilation (Charge 6 – Standard 5.6).
- Poor light cycle conditions (Charge 7 – Standard 5.8).
- 2-month disqualification for making a false statement (Charge 8 – R164(a)).
- Reprimand for failure to maintain treatment records (Charge 9 – R151(1)).
The penalties for Charge 1 and Charges 3-8 will be served concurrently, resulting in a total effective disqualification period of 19 months.
Payton’s disqualification is backdated to April 23, 2024, when he was placed under interim suspension, and will expire on November 23, 2025.
In determining these penalties, several factors were taken into account.
Payton’s guilty pleas to eight of the nine charges were considered a mitigating factor, along with his previously unblemished disciplinary record spanning over 32 years in the industry.
The time he had already served under interim suspension was also acknowledged in the final ruling.
Additionally, the decision was guided by the Commission’s Penalty Guidelines and the overall seriousness of the breaches, particularly their impact on greyhound welfare.
The Commission’s decision reinforces its commitment to upholding greyhound welfare standards and ensuring compliance with racing regulations.
Payton’s disqualification serves as a firm reminder of the responsibilities trainers have in providing adequate care and facilities for their greyhounds.
He will be eligible to return to the industry after November 23, 2025.