Andrew Rowe Fined $1500 For Positive Swab
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards have completed an inquiry into analysts' reports that the urine sample taken from Ain't It Magic – after that greyhound won Race 6, at the Nowra meeting on 13 February 2013 – had been analysed and confirmed to contain the prohibited substance 5b-androstane-3a, 17b-diol at a concentration in excess of 20 ng/ml, constituting an offence when this testosterone metabolite is reported in a sample taken from a bitch.
Evidence was taken from trainer Andrew Rowe and representative for Ain't It Magic's owner, Danielle Matic. Written evidence was taken from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL), the Chem Centre WA, GRNSW and from Mr Rowe, with references being tendered on behalf of Mr Rowe.
Evidence given established that around 56 hours prior to the sample being obtained, Mr Rowe had authorised the injection of Ain't It Magic by his veterinary surgeon with 0.5 mls of testoprop, which is used to control oestrus in bitches. The evidence was consistent with the laboratory reports.
Mr Rowe subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) in that he presented Ain't It Magic for the race in question other than free of any prohibited substance in that the urine sample taken from the greyhound after the race was found to contain the metabolite.
Consistent with the approach taken for all previous matters of presentation of this metabolite in the early stages of 2013, and after the 1 January 2013 introduction of the threshold limit of 10 ng/ml when detected in urine taken from a bitch, some leniency was extended and Mr Rowe was fined $1,500.
In considering penalty stewards took into account Mr Rowe's cooperation with the inquiry, both at presentation of the irregularity and during the hearing, his extreme contrition shown during the inquiry, his personal circumstances, the nature of the substance involved, previous penalties imposed for this offence and the fact there had been no kennel support for the greyhound. Particular consideration was given to Mr Rowe's contribution to the industry through his positions with several greyhound clubs in positions of race day control.
Notwithstanding this, stewards considered that a penalty should be imposed having regard to the negligence involved and the adverse effects on greyhound racing's image caused by such reports.
Ain't It Magic was disqualified from the race in question and the placings amended accordingly.