Mackay Surprisingly Avoids Suspension And Only Fined For Four Positive Swabs

Greyhound () stewards today concluded inquiries into analysts' reports that the urine samples taken from Sometimes Speedy and Punch One Out after those greyhounds ran first and second respectively in the final of the Dogpro at Gardens on 15 February 2013, the sample taken from Yarramundi Flash after that greyhound won Race 5 at Unibet Gardens on 22 February 2013, and also the sample taken from Zipping Tess after that greyhound won Race 2, the Heat 2 at Wentworth Park on 23 March 2013, had each been analysed and found to contain the prohibited substance 5beta-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol, a metabolite of testosterone, at a concentration of greater than 10 ng/ml in a bitch.

Evidence was taken over the course of hearings on 18 November 2013 and today from trainer Jason Mackay, who was granted representation from Lenz Legal at the initial hearing and was today assisted by veterinary Dr Peter Yore. Further evidence was taken today from Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) Science Manager Dr Adam Cawley, Racing Analytical Services Ltd () Laboratory Director Paul Zahra and from Racing Science Centre Qld (RSC) Acting Manager Analytical Services Samantha Nelis. Written evidence was tendered from the ARFL, RASL, RSC, GRNSW, Mr Mackay and Dr Yore.

Mr Mackay pleaded guilty to three charges under GAR 83 (2) (a) in that he presented Punch One Out, Sometimes Speedy and Zipping Tess for the races in question other than free of in that the urine samples taken from the greyhounds after their events were found on confirmatory analysis to contain the prohibited substance 5beta-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol, a metabolite of testosterone, at a concentration of greater than 10 ng/ml in a bitch.

As the referee sample taken from Yarramundi Flash that was delivered to RSC was not confirmed at a level greater than10 ng/ml, no finding was made in respect of that presentation.

On each charge Mr Mackay was subsequently fined $2,000.

In determining penalty, stewards took into account Mr Mackay's guilty plea on each offence, his record of only minor breaches incurred over more than 20 years of training, his record of having more than 400 cleared samples over approximately the past 12 years, his personal circumstances of full time training and a significant industry investment, his standing within the industry and freely given assistance in training matters, his co-operation with the and during the kennel inspection, as well as previous record keeping.

As has been the case with other inquiries involving 5beta-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol, both in NSW and in other greyhound racing jurisdictions a measure of leniency was extended as stewards were mindful that this was one of the first reports of the presence at excessive levels of this substance in a greyhound sample in NSW after the introduction of the rule on 1 January 2013.

The fact that initial advice of irregularities could not be conveyed to Mr Mackay until after the last of the races in question led to the imposition of similar penalties in each case.

The particular factors in this case should not be seen as a precedent in similar cases of presentation of a greyhound found to have a Category Three level substance detected in a sample in the future.

A measure of both specific and general deterrence was also considered, particularly in regard to use of a product known to have extended excretion times. The importance of the races involved and the effects such reports have on the industry reputation were also considered. Mr Mackay admitted negligence in his knowledge of the introduction of the rule despite widespread alerts by GRNSW prior to and after the rule was introduced on 1 January 2013.

Sometimes Speedy and Punch One Out were disqualified from the National Futurity final under the provisions of GAR 83 (4) and the placings amended to:

1st – Winsome Charlee
2nd – Lil Miss Sparkle
3rd – Lil Miss Mohawk

Zipping Tess was disqualified from the heat of the Ultra Sense under the provisions of GAR 83 (5) and placings amended to:

1st – My Signature
2nd – Paua Of Darkness
3rd – Grovebrook Ruler

As Zipping Tess ran last in the final of that event, no order was made under the provisions of GAR 83 (5).

Mr Mackay was advised of his rights of appeal.

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Justin Bush
Justin Bush
10 years ago

thats bullshit 4 positives and only a fine money speaks all in this sport

David Hermon
David Hermon
10 years ago

total crap i might as well drug up my bitchs and plead that i didnt know the rules oh lets amend the placings gee thats great do i get a refund on my bets 12 months later …. nlo wonder why i dont bet on greyhounds unless i own/train them

Darris Fahey
Darris Fahey
10 years ago

What a load of shit..!!!!!

Les Keefe
Les Keefe
10 years ago

makes the game..a laughing stock…

Paul Betar
Paul Betar
10 years ago

Gra nsw are a joke and just proves they are corrupt

Mick Whyte
Mick Whyte
10 years ago

Joke !!! 4 dogs is a blatant disregard of the rules, should of had the book thrown at him.

Craig Jones
Craig Jones
10 years ago

It totally depends on the trainers in Grnsw eyes, if it was a lesser known trainer he would have copped a suspension….how do u plead guilty to knowingly doing the wrong thing and get off with a fine?? this is the standard they have set now so I hope more people are giving the leniency they have given in this case….no wonder the sport is going backwards in a hurry!!

Les Keefe
Les Keefe
10 years ago

well said craig… horrible precedent they have set….

Damien Bates
Damien Bates
10 years ago

“His standing in the industry” !!!!! What the hell does that have to do with the penalty ? What a joke

Justin Bush
Justin Bush
10 years ago

money talks and bullshit walks

Jimmy Heddles
Jimmy Heddles
10 years ago

Iam sure if it was one of you lot with the postives and the pently you would not be winging and whining like a bunch of girls sounds like tall poppy syndrome get over it and train some winners yourself and show some respect for the guy

Samantha Riley
Samantha Riley
10 years ago

Are you kidding? Well GRNSW that is it for me. I am selling my 2 dogs and going back to the horses. I was warned that the dog industry has gone downhill in NSW…now I have the facts. Dogs will be sold by tonight.

Craig Jones
Craig Jones
10 years ago

Hey Jimmy it’s gotta be fair across the board mate, it’s not his fault they let him off after he pleaded guilty….but good for one good for all

Greg Stenner
Greg Stenner
10 years ago

Jimmy it does seem strange though…lol Im not whinging and whining like you stated in ur post that’s what happens sometimes…

Samantha Riley
Samantha Riley
10 years ago

My comments are nothing personal against the trainer, might I add. Good luck to him that he got off. But show me where others have been treated so well. Anyway, just sold one of mine to Victoria and hopefully I will have the other gone tonight. I will just go back and buy a coupke of shares in horses and have some fun that way! The wheels have turned and back to the geegees where it all started!

Greg Stenner
Greg Stenner
10 years ago

every trainer that gets caught now will plead not guilty and this case will be brought up they grnsw didn’t show that they are fair dinkim in what they do! Nothing against Jason good for him but really not a good decision.

Rod Lee
Rod Lee
10 years ago

We always knew that there would be leniency but look at it from a positive angle ! Now they have set precedent for all in the future .

Craig Jones
Craig Jones
10 years ago

Totally agree with Rod, good luck to Jason n he will have a good yr but Grnsw have set the standard now…

Jimmy Heddles
Jimmy Heddles
10 years ago

Greg this was the first reported excessive level of this substance Testosterone higher than 10 ngl/ml in nsw since the new rules came in to effect, while they don’t tell us the actually level iam guessing it was not very high…………hence the penalty given out , and any one with half a brain knows it does not make you run any faster , its use is to keep bitches off season and there are plenty of trainers still using Testosterone so its sort of a roll of the dice if you use it . I do not condone the use… Read more »

Justin Bush
Justin Bush
10 years ago

he didn’t know that he was higher then it was he didn’t think he would have been

Justin Bush
Justin Bush
10 years ago

i still say it is bull shit

Jodie Manuel
Jodie Manuel
10 years ago

There is no use attacking Jason he didn’t put the decision down GRNSW did !!! So good luck to him I say and he will most likely come out and win the paws of thunder this Saturday night …..

Greyhound Racing
Greyhound Racing
10 years ago

ell bad news. It is a media release from GRNSW.

Samantha Riley
Samantha Riley
10 years ago

it is nothing towads Jason whatsoever Jodie. Legally, they have now set a precident….end of story. Anyone who gets done in similar circumstances will refer to this case. Jason has had positives before…he is no cleanskin .

Bradley Mandy Gyna Barnes
Bradley Mandy Gyna Barnes
10 years ago

Best news ever Samantha Riley is getting out of greyhounds. I feel for the gallops now your going back to them

Amanda Ginn
Amanda Ginn
10 years ago

yipeeee Samantha Riley …the greyhound world says thank u ….you will be greatly missed….NOT !!!!

Bradley Mandy Gyna Barnes
Bradley Mandy Gyna Barnes
10 years ago

Amanda Ginn lets have a party to celebrate yay.

Amanda Ginn
Amanda Ginn
10 years ago

For sure Bradley Barnes …. ..who brought her imaginary dogs ??? Crack the champers …the world is now safe from lunatics

Bradley Mandy Gyna Barnes
Bradley Mandy Gyna Barnes
10 years ago

Yes funny that I can’t see them advertised anywhere. Now she can go race her imaginary horses lol.

Amanda Ginn
Amanda Ginn
10 years ago

Ha…ha …ha ….ha ….ha ….ha ….ha …..ha ..ill pass gais number onto her.

Jimmy Heddles
Jimmy Heddles
10 years ago

No but you wrote the headline , which was LEADING plus you have written another lot of slander and bullshit today ect face book outrage what a load crap wake up to yourselfs

Justin Bush
Justin Bush
10 years ago

thats bullshit 4 positives and only a fine money speaks all in this sport

Hermon David
Hermon David
10 years ago

total crap i might as well drug up my bitchs and plead that i didnt know the rules oh lets amend the placings gee thats great do i get a refund on my bets 12 months later …. nlo wonder why i dont bet on greyhounds unless i own/train them

Darris Fahey
Darris Fahey
10 years ago

What a load of shit..!!!!!

Les Keefe
Les Keefe
10 years ago

makes the game..a laughing stock…

Paul Betar
Paul Betar
10 years ago

Gra nsw are a joke and just proves they are corrupt

Mick Whyte
Mick Whyte
10 years ago

Joke !!! 4 dogs is a blatant disregard of the rules, should of had the book thrown at him.

Craig Jones
Craig Jones
10 years ago

It totally depends on the trainers in Grnsw eyes, if it was a lesser known trainer he would have copped a suspension….how do u plead guilty to knowingly doing the wrong thing and get off with a fine?? this is the standard they have set now so I hope more people are giving the leniency they have given in this case….no wonder the sport is going backwards in a hurry!!

Les Keefe
Les Keefe
10 years ago

well said craig… horrible precedent they have set….

Damien Bates
Damien Bates
10 years ago

“His standing in the industry” !!!!! What the hell does that have to do with the penalty ? What a joke

Justin Bush
Justin Bush
10 years ago

money talks and bullshit walks

Jimmy Heddles
Jimmy Heddles
10 years ago

Iam sure if it was one of you lot with the postives and the pently you would not be winging and whining like a bunch of girls sounds like tall poppy syndrome get over it and train some winners yourself and show some respect for the guy

Samantha Riley
Samantha Riley
10 years ago

Are you kidding? Well GRNSW that is it for me. I am selling my 2 dogs and going back to the horses. I was warned that the dog industry has gone downhill in NSW…now I have the facts. Dogs will be sold by tonight.

Craig Jones
Craig Jones
10 years ago

Hey Jimmy it’s gotta be fair across the board mate, it’s not his fault they let him off after he pleaded guilty….but good for one good for all

Greg Stenner
Greg Stenner
10 years ago

Jimmy it does seem strange though…lol Im not whinging and whining like you stated in ur post that’s what happens sometimes…

Samantha Riley
Samantha Riley
10 years ago

My comments are nothing personal against the trainer, might I add. Good luck to him that he got off. But show me where others have been treated so well. Anyway, just sold one of mine to Victoria and hopefully I will have the other gone tonight. I will just go back and buy a coupke of shares in horses and have some fun that way! The wheels have turned and back to the geegees where it all started!

Greg Stenner
Greg Stenner
10 years ago

every trainer that gets caught now will plead not guilty and this case will be brought up they grnsw didn’t show that they are fair dinkim in what they do! Nothing against Jason good for him but really not a good decision.

Rod Lee
Rod Lee
10 years ago

We always knew that there would be leniency but look at it from a positive angle ! Now they have set precedent for all in the future .

Craig Jones
Craig Jones
10 years ago

Totally agree with Rod, good luck to Jason n he will have a good yr but Grnsw have set the standard now…

Jimmy Heddles
Jimmy Heddles
10 years ago

Greg this was the first reported excessive level of this substance Testosterone higher than 10 ngl/ml in nsw since the new rules came in to effect, while they don’t tell us the actually level iam guessing it was not very high…………hence the penalty given out , and any one with half a brain knows it does not make you run any faster , its use is to keep bitches off season and there are plenty of trainers still using Testosterone so its sort of a roll of the dice if you use it . I do not condone the use… Read more »