Joanne Black Receives Fine Only For NSW Dexamethasone Positive Swab
Greyhound Racing NSW Stewards last week conducted an inquiry into analysts' reports that the urine sample taken from Jethro Gibbs after that greyhound won Race 1, the Vetsearch Rep Lauren Flint Stake conducted by the Goulburn GRC at Goulburn on 6th August 2011 contained the prohibited substance Dexamethasone.
Evidence was taken from Trainer Joanne Black and Dr Adam Cawley the Science Manager of the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory. Written evidence was entered from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, Racing Analytical Services (VIC), ARFL Senior Veterinarian Dr Craig Suann and Dr Ted Humphries of Rossmore Veterinary Hospital.
Ms Black was found guilty to a charge under Greyhound Racing Rule 83 (2) (a) in that she presented Jethro Gibbs for the race in question not free of a prohibited substance as the urine sample taken from the greyhound was found to contain Dexamethasone.
After considering submissions on penalty Ms Black was fined $1200. In determining the penalty Stewards took into consideration Ms Black's unblemished record in relation to this Rule over a 4 year involvement in the industry, the nature of the substance involved which included the prescribed use of the product Maxidex for the treatment of pannus, the evidence from Mr Cawley that the level of the prohibited substance found in this sample was in the low range, previous penalties given to other persons in relation to the same Rule, and the effects that such findings have on the image of greyhound racing.
Under Greyhound Racing Rule 83 (4) Jethro Gibbs was disqualified from the above mentioned event.
Ms Black was advised of her rights of Appeal with the amendment of placings to be held over until all avenues of Appeal are exhausted.