William Lambert Receives Lengthy Disqualification For Positive Swab
Offence: Mr. William Lambert failed to present the greyhound Sovereign Star free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club on Wednesday, 6 November 2013.
Following advice from Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of a post-race urine sample taken from greyhound Sovereign Star at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Wednesday, 6 November 2013.
During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mr. William Lambert, Mr. Paul Zahra (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Steven Karamatic (Greyhound Racing Industry Veterinary Officer).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Lambert with a breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rules 83(2) and (3) in that he did fail to present the greyhound Sovereign Star free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Wednesday, 6 November 2013, given that the post-race urine sample taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substance Benzylpiperazine.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules this constituted a Serious Offence. As a result, on Monday, 14 April 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.
Mr. William Lambert represented himself, assisted by Mrs. Ellen Lambert.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. William Lambert pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered the RADB determined that Mr. Lambert was guilty as charged and disqualified him for 18 months (with 9 months of this disqualification suspended for 2 years pending no further breaches of GAR83 during this 2 year period), effective from Monday, 14 April 2014.
In assessing penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:
(a) Mr. Lambert's guilty plea;
(b) The nature of the prohibited substance Benzylpiperazine;
(c) The substance falls under category 4 of the Prohibited Substance Penalty Guidelines published by GRV;
(d) The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing and ensure a level playing field for all participants;
(e) Prior penalties for similar Category 4 substances;
(f) Mr. Lambert's character and his clean history over 40 years in the greyhound industry (both coursing and greyhound racing) as an owner, trainer, breeder and his contributions to the industry (including as a sponsor)
Acting under GAR83(4), the RADB also disqualified Sovereign Star from Event 3 – Santons of Bendigo Maiden 500m – at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Wednesday, 6 November 2013 and amended the placings accordingly.
Thats a hammering
Thats a hammering