Midson Disqualified For Four Months For Positive
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into analyst's reports that the urine sample taken from Murranji Kate after that greyhound won Race 9 at the Muswellbrook meeting on 12 July 2009, contained the prohibited substances Caffeine, Theobromine, Theophylline and Paraxanthine.
Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Peter Midson, his grandson Mr Adrian McMillan, ARFL Director Dr Andrew Vadasz and Muswellbrook Race Club Steward Mrs Christine Constable.
Written evidence was entered from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, Racing Analytical Services VIC, ARFL Senior Veterinarian Dr Craig Suann and GRNSW Steward Mr Terry Hynes.
Mr Midson subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge under Greyhound Racing Rule 83(2)(a) in that he presented Murranji Kate for the race in question not free of any prohibited substance as the urine sample taken from that greyhound was found to contain caffeine and its metabolites.
After considering submissions on penalty Mr Midson was disqualified for a period of four months, until 7 January 2010. In determining penalty Stewards considered Mr Midson's guilty plea and his personal circumstances.
He had a previous history of over thirty years involvement in the industry with one previous penalty under this Rule and substance.
Consideration was also given to previous penalties under this rule and the effect that such findings have on the image of greyhound racing.
Under Greyhound Racing Rule 83 (4) Murranji Kate was disqualified from the race and the placings amended to:
1st – Squadcar Tyson
2nd – Witty's Jaspa
3rd – Shotgun Beauty
Mr Midson was advised of his rights of appeal.