Russell Harland Suspended Four Months For Positive Swab
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards have completed an inquiry into analysts' reports that the urine sample taken from Rebel Rumble – after that greyhound had won Race 9 at the Tamworth Greyhound Club's meeting on 27 July 2013 – had been analysed and confirmed to contain the prohibited substance caffeine and its metabolites theophylline, paraxanthine and theobromine.
Evidence was taken from trainer Russell Harland, Linda Harland and from Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) Science Manager Dr Adam Cawley. Written evidence was submitted from the ARFL Senior Veterinarian, Dr Craig Suann, the ARFL, Racing Science Centre, QLD, Mr Harland and GRNSW.
Mr Harland could offer no tangible reason for the finding. Evidence from the ARFL indicated a level of the substances found in the high comparative range.
Mr Harland was found guilty of a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) in that he presented Rebel Rumble for the race in question other than free of any prohibited substance.
Following submissions on penalty, Mr Harland was disqualified for a period of four months, to expire at midnight on 18 May 2014, having regard to the suspension of Mr Harland's registration under the provisions of GAR 92 (5) from 19 January 2014.
In assessing penalty, consideration was given to Mr Harland's record of having only one previous prohibited substance breach in 1995 during more than 40 years of registration, a relatively high number of cleared samples taken in this period, his not guilty plea, the fact that Mr Harland mainly prepares greyhounds for others and his personal circumstances, the particular substance involved and its high reported level, and the absence of any significant kennel support for Rebel Rumble.
Consideration was also given to Mr Harland's previous involvement at an official level with race clubs and representative bodies.
Rebel Rumble was disqualified from the event and the placings amended accordingly.