Ken Plumridge Fined For Heptaminol Positive From Appin Greyhounds
Greyhound Racing NSW Stewards on Wednesday 17 January 2012 inquired into analyst's reports that the urine sample taken from Jarundo after that greyhound won Race 7, the Western Petfoods Maiden Stake, 274 metres, run at the Appin meeting on Saturday 29 October 2011, had been analysed and confirmed to contain the prohibited substance heptaminol.
Evidence was taken from trainer Mr Kenneth Plumridge, with written evidence tendered from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory and the Chem Centre WA.
Evidence given established that prior to the races on the day in question, Mr Plumridge administered 3 ml of Kynoselen, containing heptaminol, on veterinary advice to Jarundo, which has a history of suffering from the thumps after a race. Mr Plumridge was advised that the substance would be clear of the greyhounds system prior to its race.
Notwithstanding this evidence Mr Plumridge subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge under GAR 83 (2) (a) in that he presented Jarundo for the race in question other than free of prohibited substances in that the urine sample taken from the greyhound after the race was found to contain the prohibited substance heptaminol.
Mr Plumridge was subsequently suspended for a period of three months and in addition was fined $500. Having regard to the particular circumstances of this case, the suspension was stayed in full on the condition that Mr Plumridge does not breach the rules relating to prohibited substances for a period of two years.
In considering penalty Stewards took into account Mr Plumridge's co-operation at the time of kennel inspection and with the inquiry, the contrition shown during the inquiry, his previously unblemished record in relation to any breach of the rules, his personal circumstances, the nature of the substance involved and other penalties in relation to such reports, and that there had been little support for the greyhound.
Jarundo was disqualified from the race in question and the placings amended accordingly.