David Dawson Fined $750 For Failing To Comply With Steward Order
Offence:
Failing to comply with the lawful order of Greyhound Racing Victoria Steward Ms. Kim Meredith at the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club meeting on Monday, 3 February 2014, in that he failed to produce the weight record for the greyhound Flaming Talent when directed to do so.
REPORT:
Following an Inquiry into the circumstances relating to an order given to Mr. David Dawson by Steward Ms. Kim Meredith at the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club on Monday, 3 February 2014, Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation.
During the investigation, Stewards heard evidence from Mr. David Dawson (Trainer), Dr. David Stobo (Veterinarian), Ms. Pearl Terry (Club employee), Mr. Craig Lawrence (Trainer) and Ms. Rachael Busuttil (Trainer).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. David Dawson with a breach of GAR86 (p) in that he failed to comply with the lawful order of Greyhound Racing Victoria Steward Ms. Kim Meredith at the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club meeting on Monday, 3 February 2014, in that he failed to produce the weight record for the greyhound Flaming Talent when requested to do so.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules, a breach of GAR86 (p) constitutes a Serious Offence.
As a result, on Thursday, 17 April 2014 this matter was heard before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in the first instance under Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rule 47.3 and Sections 83C(b) and 83M of the Racing Act.
Mr. David Dawson was represented by Ross Stephens.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. David Dawson pleaded not guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered the RADB determined that Mr. David Dawson was guilty as charged. The RADB were reasonably satisfied that the ingredients of the charge were made out in that:
(a) Ms. Kim Meredith was a GRV Steward;
(b) She ordered Mr. Dawson to produce the weight record for Flaming Talent to the Stewards on 3 February 2014 after Race 12 at Warragul Greyhound Racing Club was declared a ‘No Race';
(c) This order was lawful as the Stewards could request Mr. Dawson to hand over the weight record to them on that date in accordance with the GRV Rules of Racing, including in particular GAR38 (4) and (12). The RADB were satisfied, on a reasonable reading of these Rules, that when Race 12 was declared a ‘No Race', the greyhound Flaming Talent did fail to fulfil its engagement for that race; and
(d) Mr. Dawson failed to comply with Ms. Meredith's lawful order. The fact that he handed in the weight record to Stewards a few days after the event did not satisfy compliance with the order.
Mr. Dawson was fined the sum of $750. This was the second time that Mr. Dawson had been found guilty in the past 20 months of not complying with the lawful direction of a steward. The RADB reminded Mr. Dawson of his esponsibilities as a registered person under the GRV Rules of Racing.