Tess Galea Fined For Meloxicam Positive
Offence:
GAR 83 (2)(3): Mrs. Tess Galea failed to present the greyhound ‘Sisco Fiasco' free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club on Thursday, 26 June 2014.
Report:
Following advice from Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound ‘Sisco Fiasco' at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2014.
During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mrs. Tess Galea, Mrs. Naomi Selvadurai (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Steven Karamatic (Greyhound Racing Industry Veterinary Officer).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mrs. Galea with a breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rules 83(2) and (3) in that she did fail to present the greyhound ‘Sisco Fiasco' free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2014, given that the pre-race urine samples taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substance Meloxicam.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules a breach of GAR83 (2) and (3) constitutes a Serious Offence. As a result, on Friday, 10 October 2014 this matter was heard before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in the first instance under Greyhound Local Racing Rule 47.3 and Sections 83C(b) and 83M(1) of the Racing Act.
Mrs. Tess Galea represented herself and Mr. Jeff Galea also attended.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mrs. Tess Galea pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered, the RADB determined that Mrs. Galea was guilty as charged and imposed a fine of $1,250.
In assessing penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:
(a) Mrs. Galeas' guilty plea;
(b) The nature of the prohibited substance Meloxicam and how and when the offences
occurred;
(c) The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing and ensure a level playing field for all participants;
(d) Prior penalties for similar category 2 prohibited substance offences;
(e) Mrs. Galeas' good character and her clean history in the greyhound industry.
Acting under GAR83(4), the RADB disqualified ‘Sisco Fiasco' from Event 3 – Farewell Pa Final – Novice Final – at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2014 and amended the placings as follows:
1st Blinker's On
2nd Josee
3rd Sea Rooster
4th Miss Bo Wicked
5th Mepunga Mission
6th Jingellic
7th Arengo
Disqualified Sisco Fiasco