Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) advises that it has received notification from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory of the presence of Atenolol and O-desmethylvenlafaxine in the sample taken from Lorna Belle after it won the Peter Yore Heat at The Gardens meeting on 7 February 2015.
The reserve portion of the sample was sent to Racing Analytical Services (VIC) and has been confirmed to contain the prohibited substance. Lorna Belle's trainer Ron Bell has been advised of the irregularity.
As the prohibited substance detected is a Category 5 substance under the GRNSW’s penalty guidelines the matter is being dealt with having regard to the protocols established under the guidelines.
Mr Bell has entered a not guilty plea in relation to a charge of having presented Lorna Belle at The Gardens on 7 February 2015 and in doing so has elected to have the matter heard by an Inquiry before GRNSW Stewards.
A date for the Inquiry has yet to be set.
