More Space Disqualified As Nowra Summer Cup Winner Due To Positive Swab

Greyhound yesterday inquired into analyst's reports that the urine sample taken from More Space after that greyhound won Race 8, the Pinebowl Final, 520
metres, run at the meeting on 14 January 2011, had been analysed and confirmed to contain the prohibited substance .

Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Garry Edwards, Luddenham Pet Meats representative Ms Rebecca Pace, Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory Operations Director Dr John Keledjian, and
Mrs Debbie Coleman, with written evidence tendered from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, the Chem Centre WA and from Mr Edwards, who presented veterinary evidence and personal references. Ms Pace also tendered letters from suppliers of beasts to her business.

Mr Edwards pointed to incomplete documentation, alleged lack of staff qualification and security irregularities in presenting his defence. Notwithstanding these perceived flaws it was the opinion of the Stewards that the totality of the evidence proved that these flaws were not of sufficient material value to invalidate the process.

Mr Edwards was subsequently found guilty of a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) in that he presented More Space for the race in question other than free of in that the urine
sample taken from the greyhound after the race was found to contain the prohibited substance procaine.

Mr Edwards was subsequently fined $500. In considering penalty Stewards took into account Mr Edwards previously unblemished record in relation to this rule during almost 40 years of licencing, evidence given of other negative swabs taken from his greyhounds at around the same time, scientific evidence indicating that the detection of the substance may have resulted from
contaminated meat supplies, his personal circumstances, the nature of the substance involved and other penalties in relation to such reports, and that there had been little support for the greyhound.

Consideration was also given to Mr Edwards extensive involvement at an administrative level in the sport, the content of the references provided and recent precedent in such cases.

Notwithstanding this Stewards considered a measure of negligence existing in such cases where the source of the possibly contaminated meat is not confirmed. Having regard to the particular circumstances of this case, the whole of the fine was suspended for a period of twelve months conditional on Mr Edwards incurring no further breach of the prohibited substance in that time.

Under GAR 83 (4), More Space was disqualified from the race in question and the placings amended to 1st – Good Thing, 2nd – Bit Rich, 3rd – Elite Hero

Mr Edwards was advised of his rights of appeal.

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