Keel Handed A 6 Month Disqualification Over Caffeine Swab
RWWA Stewards today inquired into a report from the ChemCentre in Perth, that the post race urine sample taken from the greyhound TIP TOP THOMAS after it won Race 7 at Greyhounds WA Cannington on Thursday 31 December 2009, contained the prohibited substance caffeine and its metabolites.
The finding has been confirmed by the Racing Science Centre in Brisbane.
Evidence was taken from Trainer Mr Bradley Keel, ChemCentre Chemist Mr James White, RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr. Peter Symons and RWWA Principal Investigator Mr Phil O'Reilly.
Trainer Mr Keel pleaded guilty to a charge under Greyhound Racing Rule 83 (2)(a) for nominating and presenting TIP TOP THOMAS to compete in Race 7, the Sandra Powell Canning Stake (530m), at Greyhounds WA Cannington on the 31 December 2009 not free of caffeine and its metabolites.
In considering penalty the Stewards took into account the following:
- The seriousness of the offence.
- Mr Keel's extensive and unblemished record.
- Mr Keel's guilty plea.
- The honest and forthright manner in which Mr Keel conducted himself during the Inquiry.
- Mr Keel's personal circumstances.
Mr Keel was disqualified for a period of 6 (six) months effective immediately.
Acting under the provisions of Greyhound Racing Rule 83(4), TIP TOP THOMAS was disqualified as the winner of Race 7, the Sandra Powell Canning Stake (530m), at Greyhounds WA Cannington on the 31st December 2009 and the placings have been amended to:
- 1st HONDO (D. Menaglio)
- 2nd NEW WONDER (L. Britton)
- 3RD CONGRATULATIONS (L. Britton)
- 4TH GOLD EUREKA (P. Harvey)