Norman Walls Fined After Campaspe Will Positives
Offences Charged:
(1) Mr. Norman Walls failed to present the greyhound Campaspe Will free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club on Thursday, 17 April 2014.
(2) Mr. Norman Walls failed to present the greyhound Campaspe Will free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club on Thursday, 1 May 2014.
Report:
Following advice from Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into the results of post-race urine samples taken from the greyhound Campaspe Will at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meetings held on Thursday, 17 April 2014 and on Thursday, 1 May 2014.
During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mr. Norman Walls, Mr. Paul Zahra (Racing Analytical Services Laboratory) and Dr. Steven Karamatic (Greyhound Racing Industry Veterinary Officer).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Walls with a breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rules 83(2) and (3) in that he did fail to present the greyhound Campaspe Will free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Thursday, 17 April 2014 and he did fail to present the greyhound Campaspe Will free of any prohibited substance for an event at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Thursday, 1 May 2014 given that the post-race urine samples taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the prohibited substance Piroxicam.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules a breach of GAR83 (2) and (3) constitutes a Serious Offence. As a result, on Thursday, 4 September 2014 this matter was heard before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in the first instance under Greyhound Local Racing Rule 47.3 and Sections 83C(b) and 83M(1) of the Racing Act.
Mr. Norman Walls represented himself.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. Norman Walls pleaded guilty to both charges.
After hearing all the evidence tendered, the RADB determined that Mr. Walls was guilty as charged and imposed a fine of $1,000, in total, on both charges.
In assessing penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:
(a) Mr. Walls guilty pleas;
(b) The nature of the prohibited substance Piroxicam and how and when the offences occurred;
(c) The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing and ensure a level playing field for all participants;
(d) Prior penalties for similar category 2 prohibited substance offences;
(e) Mr. Walls character and his clean history in the greyhound industry for over 50 years.
Acting under GAR83(4), the RADB also disqualified Campaspe Will from Event 8 – The Easter Gift – Group Listed – at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Thursday, 17 April 2014 and amended the placings accordingly.
Acting under GAR83(4), the RADB also disqualified Campaspe Will from Event 6 – The Bert Bryant Memorial – S/E Group 3 – at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club meeting held on Thursday, 1 May 2014 and amended the placings accordingly.
ARG Opinion:
Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is commonly used for managing pain and inflammation in dogs. The drug provides dogs with relief from fever, pain and inflammation by slowing down the production and discharge of prostaglandins.
Considering the advantages gained for Campaspe Will after being administered Piroxicam, one could assume that Norman Walls would have left the RADB hearing happy to have avoided suspension. The fact is that Norman has 50 years of history within the industry and that has counted for something, as it should.
He`s still a cheat defrauding fellow trainers and the public. Should have been disqualified