Queen Lauryn, who is the current Wentworth Park track record holder, has had a very public battle with form that her connections had blamed on the administration of Nandoral, which is an ethyloestrenol anabolic steroid and the only one allowed under the drug free rules of Greyhound Racing.

According to connections, she raced on Nanderol for a period of time after breaking the Ipswich track record before her form tapered off.

Connections made the decision to rake her off all steroids and she had reportedly been trialling well again leading toward the Group 1 Paws Of Thunder Heats on Saturday.

Unfortunately the risk hasn’t paid off and without any oestrus suppresion therapy, Queen Lauryn has come on season.

Owner and Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club Board aspirant, Steve Hawkins raised the possibility of legal action against Greyhounds Queensland, calling the current Greyhound Racing and the current drug free rules “an unfair playground now” ; which is ironic, given that the whole purpose of the recent banning of all anabolic steroids in greyhounds other than ethyloestrenol, was to invoke a level playing field for all participants.

Mick’s Puzzle won a 600m 5th grade race at the Friday meeting at the Gardens and a routine urine sample was taken following the event.

That sample has subsequently shown the presence of a metabolite that would indicate the presence or prior administration of the banned anabolic steroid Nandrolone.

The trainer of Mick’s Puzzle, Peter Passfield has been asked to attend an inquiry with GHRRA stewards set down for Wednesday 18th September 2008.

If found guilty, Mr Passfiled will become New South Wales’ second trainer to present a greyhound to race with a banned anabolic steroid in its system.

Mr Passfiled may however may not bee alone with another four swab irregularities the subject of confirmatory “B” sample testing, all for banned anabolis steroids. At least one of those swabs is known to have been taken from a male greyhound.

After two prior extensions the current rules involving a total ban of anabolic steroids came officially in to force in most states in Australia on 1st July 2008. An exemption under the rules is made for the suppression of the oestrus cycle by the anabolic steriod Ethyloestrenol in bitches only.

Mr Tzouvelis was found guilty of presenting a male greyhound to race who on routine urinary swab analysis subsequently tested positive to a metabolite of the banned anabolic steroid Stanozol.

In finding Mr Tzouvelis guilty, Greyhounds Queensland stewards imposed a 3 month disqualification and a $2000 fine upon the public trainer.

It is understood that the penalties imposed on Mr Tzouvelis would have been far more severe but stewards took mitigating circumstances in to account, involving post surgical treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon on the greyhound in question.

After two prior extensions the current rules involving a total ban of anabolic steroids came officially in to force in most states in Australia on 1st July 2008. An expemtion under the rules is made for the suppression of the oestrus cycle by the anabolic steriod Ethyloestrenol in bitches only.

It is known by Australian Racing Greyhound.com that a further two irregular swabs have been found in Queenlsand routine swab analysis and that both swabs are currently awaiting confirmation of the “B” sample and both swab involve male greyhounds.

Rapidvite Marketing Manager, Peter Bryce, said this week that he believed the seminar would provide all active participants with an amazing level of information.

“The day is brimful of quality speakers and they will speak over considerable territory…something of interest for everybody from the novice to the most advanced,” added Bryce.

Paul Wheeler will provide an insight into the legendary breeding success of the Bale breeding line.

Record breaking Victorian Trainer, Graeme Bate will present his views on racing preparation including trends that have impacted over the past 20 years.

Leading veterinary surgeons Dr Des Fegan and Dr Tom Astbury will also make highly interesting presentations. Dr Fegan has only recently returned from Ireland where he had a number of training seminars on behalf of the Irish Greyhound Racing Board.

Dr Astbury, as a successful trainer in his own right, will provide a unique view on the physical aspects of greyhound preparation. And, Peter Bryce is recognised as one of Australia’s most informed speakers on the racing greyhound’s diet.

Another not to be missed feature of the day will be a discussion panel on anabolic steroids and the suppression of oestrus in female greyhounds. The panel will include a representative of the Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association which recommends suppression via the use of Ethyloestrenol and Dr Astbury who has declared a wider point of view.

NSW GBOTA Executive Officer, Brenton Scott, said that the objective of the discussion panel would be to place serious and accurate information before participants on an issue that has clearly generated diversified views.

“Greyhounds Australasia has made its decision to only permit Ethyloestrenol for the suppression of oestrus in female greyhounds,” said Scott.

“The discussion will provide an opportunity to better understand the science behind the decision whilst also accepting that there are, to varying degrees, countering opinions.”

GRNSW, Chief Executive, Brent Hogan, said GRNSW was delighted to be involved in the promotion of the seminar.

“The speakers are expert and those in attendance are sure to receive great value,” said Hogan.

The cost of the seminar is just $25 and this includes lunch and drinks. Bookings are expected to be in high demand and must be made with Chris McKay at the Head Office of the NSW GBOTA on the direct line (02) 8737 5902. While bookings must be made by phone, payment can be made on the day.