Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards have finalised deliberations on penalty following analysts' reports of the finding of piroxicam and 5-hydroxy-piroxicam in the urine sample taken from Left Field after that greyhound finished sixth in Race 6, the Sportingbet Stakes (520m) at Wentworth Park on 23 May 2014.
Consistent with the protocols established for dealing with such reports under the GRNSW Prohibited Substance Penalty System, Left Field’s trainer Frank Anderson was advised of the reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory and Racing Analytical Services, Victoria, via written notification of the laboratory findings.
Following alternate correspondence, Mr Anderson pleaded guilty to a charge under Gar 83 (2) (a) of having presented Left Field for the event other than free of any prohibited substance in that the urine sample taken from the greyhound after the event was found on confirmatory analysis to contain piroxicam and 5-hydroxy-piroxicam.
After GRNSW had considered submissions from Mr Anderson on penalty his licence was suspended for a period six weeks.
In considering penalty, stewards took into account factors such as Mr Anderson’s guilty plea, his personal circumstances, which includes an unblemished record in relation to the prohibited substance rules in over 35 years as a licensed person, the nature of the substance involved, being a Category 5 substance in accordance with the GRNSW Penalty Guidelines and thenegligence displayed by treating the greyhound with Feldene Gel for a soft tissue injury prior to the race which contains piroxicam,
Other factors considered included Mr Anderson’s cooperation with stewards in identifying the source of the piroxicam and 5-hydroxy-pirxicam, the unplaced finishing position of the greyhound, the negative impact that such findings have on the image of the industry, and the absence of any significant wagering on Left Field in the event.
Under Gar 83 (5), Left Field was disqualified from the event in question and the minor placings were amended accordingly.
Mr Anderson was advised of his right of appeal.
