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 White Mascara after that greyhound won Race 1, the Welcome to Unibet Gardens Stake (400m) at The Gardens on 19 March 2014.
Consistent with the protocols established for dealing with such reports under the GRNSW Prohibited Substance Penalty System, White Mascara’s trainer Nancy McIntosh 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, Ms McIntosh pleaded guilty to a charge under Gar 83 (2) (a) of having presented White Mascara 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 Ms McIntosh she was fined $2000.
In considering penalty, stewards took into account factors such as Ms McIntosh’s guilty plea, her personal circumstances which includes an unblemished record in relation to the prohibited substance rules in 40 years as a licensed person and her significant investment in the industry.
Other factors taken into account included the nature of the substance involved, being a Category 5 substance in accordance with the GRNSW Penalty Guidelines, negligence displayed by administering a non-veterinary medicine to the greyhound which was clearly labelled to contain piroxicam, Ms McIntosh’s cooperation with stewards in identifying the source of the piroxicam and 5-hydroxy-piroxicam including the provision of treatment records detailing the administration of piroxicam, the high level of the prohibited substance found to be in the greyhound’s system, references provided which outline her good character, the negative impact that such findings have on the image of the industry, and the absence of any significant wagering on White Mascara in the event.
Under Gar 83 (5), White Mascara was disqualified from the event in question and the placings were amended to:
1st – Interrogated
2nd – Pod’s Elect
3rd – Ess For Sadie
Ms McIntosh was advised of her right of appeal.
