Monaghan Receives $500 Fine Only For Pholcodine Positive In Victoria
Following advice from the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of a pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound ‘Darley Dreamer' at the Shepparton GRC meeting on Wednesday, 15th June, 2011.
During the investigation, Stewards heard evidence from registered Trainer Mr. Travis Monaghan and received written statements from Dr. John Vine (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Alistair Smith (Sandown Veterinary Clinic).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Monaghan with breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rule 83(2) and (3) in that he did fail to present the greyhound ‘Darley Dreamer' free of any substance for an event at the Shepparton GRC meeting on Wednesday, 15th June, 2011, given the pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substance ‘Pholcodine'.
Pholcodine is an opiate based cough suppressant which is chemically related to morphine. It commonly available in many over the counter cough syrups and has a mild sedative effect.
In 2009, NSW greyhound trainer Owen Langley was handed a 3 month disqualification at a stewards inquiry over a positive swab in a greyhound to Pholcodine.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules this constituted a Serious Offence.
Mr. Travis Monaghan represented himself at the RADB Hearing.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. Monaghan pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered, the RADB found Mr. Monaghan guilty as charged and fined him $500.
Acting under GAR83(5), the RADB disqualified ‘Darley Dreamer' from Race 1 at the Shepparton GRC meeting on 15th June, 2011.