Victorian greyhound trainer Biddell handed one month stand down over Kah debacle
Jacob Biddell, a renowned trainer in the Victorian greyhound racing scene, has been implicated in a scandal involving a white powder substance, which also involves his housemate and prominent jockey, Jamie Kah.
Last month, images depicting Biddell, Kah, and assistant foreman Ruby McIntyre with a plate of what seemed to be a white powder, meticulously arranged in lines, made rounds on various social media platforms.
The Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit, in a hearing conducted on Thursday, found Biddell guilty of actions detrimental to the interests of greyhound racing.
Consequently, he was handed a conditionally suspended one-month ban.
“Mr Biddell pleaded not guilty to the charge and made further submissions,” the hearing report stated.
“After considering all the evidence at hand, the charge was found proven, and Mr Biddell was formally declared guilty.”
As part of the conditions of his suspension, Biddell is required to participate in an “agreed program” and furnish evidence of its completion within a six-month timeframe.
Failure to do so will result in the activation of his registration suspension.
The stewards, in determining the penalty, took into account Biddell's commendable record and tenure in the industry, his personal circumstances, and the necessity for both specific and general deterrence.
Meanwhile, Kah and McIntyre are awaiting their tribunal hearing after being charged by Racing Victoria for conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, and/or welfare of racing.
Allegedly, McIntyre captured and later disseminated images of Kah using an identification card to organize the white powder into three lines during a gathering at Kah's residence in June, as per the claims of Racing Victoria stewards.
Following the publication of the photos, Kah, who had been in an induced coma for several days due to a brain bleed following a fall at Flemington in March, stated that she was concentrating on her recovery.
“I won't be making any further comment,” she posted on Twitter on June 23.
It's worth noting that Kah had a stellar 2020/21 season, riding more than 100 metropolitan winners and becoming the first woman to secure the Melbourne jockeys' premiership.
If he didnt give it to the greyhounds who cares what he puts up his nose
He shouldnt be on stand down if it doesnt affect the dog or race