Two Months Disqualification & Fines For Miller Family Phenylephrine Positive

Greyhound inquired into analysts reports that the urine sample taken from Just Pamela after that greyhound had finished sixth in race one, the Sportingbet Maiden Stake 318m at on 1 March 2012, had been analysed and found to contain the prohibited substance Phenylephrine.

Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Thomas Miller, unlicensed person Mr Tim Miller, registered participant Ms Margaret Young and Dr Adam Cawley from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL). Written evidence was entered from ARFL Senior Veterinarian Dr Craig Suann and the Racing Analytical Services.

Mr Thomas Miller pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) in that he nominated and presented Just Pamela for the race in question other than free of a prohibited substance in that the urine sample taken from the greyhound was found to contain Phenylephrine.

Phenylephrine is an over-the-counter respiratory drug that can be found in many cold and flu tablets and capsules. It is also available as nasal sprays and drops, and is used to decrease nasal congestion and relieve symptoms of congestion of nasal sinuses, eustachian tube and upper respiratory tract. In higher doses it is an alpha-receptor stimulant that can be used to increase blood pressure by causing peripheral vasoconstriction (contraction of the blood vessels).

In many countries Phenylephrine is now used extensively in cough and cold preparations as replacement for Pseudoephedrine. However, where pseudoephedrine causes a release or noraderenaline, resulting in central nervous system stimulation and other desirable side effects for a race track performance stimulant; Phenylephrine has no such effects.

Further, Mr Thomas Miller pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 101 (2) (a) in that he permitted an unlicensed person to train a greyhound which he owned.

Mr Thomas Miller was disqualified for a period of two months under GAR 83 (2) (a) and disqualified for a period of two months under GAR 101 (2) (a) to be served cumulatively. In determining penalty, Stewards took into consideration Mr Thomas Miller's guilty plea, his 10 year period of registration, and good record of having never been before Stewards. Penalties for breaches of this rule involving similar substances were also considered.

Mr Tim Miller (unlicensed person) pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 86 (l) in that he acted as the trainer of Just Pamela for the race in question while not being registered with a controlling body. Mr Tim Miller was fined the sum of $400. In determining penalty, Stewards took into consideration Mr Tim Miller's guilty plea and penalties for breaches of this rule involving similar matters.

Under GAR 83 (4) Just Pamela was disqualified from the event and the placings amended accordingly.

Mr Thomas Miller and Mr Tim Miller were advised of their rights of appeal.

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