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 Kozmik Kaos after that greyhound won Race 2, the Macro Meats Stake (400m) at Gosford on 29 July 2014.
Consistent with the protocols established for dealing with such reports under the GRNSW Prohibited Substance Penalty System, Kozmik Kaos’ trainer Raymond Lacava 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 Lacava pleaded guilty to a charge under Gar 83 (2) (a) of having presented Kozmik Kaos 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 Lacava on penalty his licence was suspended for a period two months.
In considering penalty, stewards took into account factors such as Mr Lacava’s guilty plea, his personal circumstances, which includes an unblemished record in relation to the prohibited substance rules in six years as a licensed person, the nature of the substance involved, being a Category 5 substance in accordance with the GRNSW Penalty Guidelines and the negligence displayed by administering a non-veterinary medicine to the greyhound which was clearly labelled to contain piroxicam.
Other factors considered included Mr Lacava’s cooperation with stewards in identifying the source of the piroxicam and 5-hydroxy-piroxicam, references provided on behalf of Mr Lacava which attest to his good character, the negative impact that such findings have on the image of the industry, and the absence of any significant wagering on Kozmik Kaos in the event.
Under Gar 83 (5), Kozmik Kaos was disqualified from the event in question and the placings were amended to:
1st – Make A Fifty
2nd – Royal Tracey
3rd – Noble Odessa
Mr Lacava was advised of his right of appeal.
