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Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards have finalised deliberations on penalty following analysts' reports of the finding of caffeine, theophylline, paraxanthine and theobromine in the urine sample taken from Sandave Spirit after that greyhound won Race 10, the Gosford Signs Blitz Heat, 400m at Gosford on 5 September 2014.
Consistent with the protocols established for dealing with such reports under the GRNSW Prohibited Substance Penalty System, Sandave Spirit’s trainer Nathan Goodwin was advised of the reports received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory and Racing Science Centre, Queensland, via written notification of the laboratory findings.
Following alternate correspondence, Mr Goodwin pleaded guilty to a charge under Gar 83 (2) (a) of having presented Sandave Spirit 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 caffeine, theophylline, paraxanthine and theobromine.
After GRNSW had considered submissions from Mr Goodwin on penalty he was fined $2500.
In considering penalty, stewards took into account factors such as Mr Goodwin’s guilty plea, his personal circumstances which included a significant investment in the industry as a full-time trainer, the nature of the substance involved being a Category 4 substance in accordance with the GRNSW Penalty Guidelines and the low level of the prohibited substance which supports Mr Goodwin’s explanation for the accidental administration of the prohibited substances.
Other factors considered included Mr Goodwin’s record in relation to breaches of the prohibited substances rules which includes a previous breach in 2009, the effect that such findings have on the image of the industry, and the absence of any significant wagering on Sandave Spirit in the event.
Under Gar 83 (5), Sandave Spirit was disqualified from the event in question and the placings were amended accordingly.
Mr Goodwin was advised of his right of appeal.
