Date: 23/01/2024
Stewards Activity
| Offences & Activity | April 2024 | May 2024 | June 2024 |
| Marring | 12 | 12 | 15 |
| Fail to Chase | 29 | 36 | 30 |
| Satisfactory Trials Cleared | 44 | 47 | 43 |
| Satisfactory Trials Not Cleared | 15 | 19 | 15 |
| Samples (Swabs) Taken | 730 | 809 | 776 |
| Positive Swabs from RASL | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| VRT Positive Swab Cases Heard | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| VRT Appeals Heard | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| VRT Stay Applications | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| VRT Animal Welfare Cases Heard | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| VRT Misconduct Cases Heard | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Stewards’ Hearings Heard | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| POCTA/DAA Prosecutions | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VCAT Stay Applications | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| VCAT Appeals Heard | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Swabbing Numbers
- Swabs taken 2022 – 2023 financial year (01/07/2022 – 30/06/2023) = 11272
- Swabs taken 2023 – 2024 financial year = 10424
Prosecutions Overview
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Ibrahim Kama – VCAT Stay Application 2 May 2024 – GAR156(f)(ii), GAR165(a), GAR21(2), Between 18 September 2023 and 6 February 2024, Mr Kama engaged in improper conduct, failed to prevent greyhounds from being subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering and trialled an injured greyhound when stood down. On 4 March 2024, the VRT imposed a total disqualification period of 18 months, with 6 months suspended for 24 months, and a $750 fine with $500 suspended for 24 months. VCAT denied a stay regarding Mr Kama’s disqualification, however stayed the fine penalty until the VCAT hearing is finalised.
Victorian Racing Tribunal
Brent Merton – VRT Hearing 17 April 2024 – GAR21(1)(c), GAR21(3), GAR21(1)(a) & GAR156(h), Between 18 January 2023 and 26 April 2023, Mr Merton failed to provide adequate kennels and proper and sufficient drink, kept greyhounds in conditions likely to be dangerous to their welfare and failed to comply with lawful orders to comply with the Code of Practice. Mr Merton pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a total disqualification period of 12 months.
Dominic Crisafi – VRT Hearing 22 April 2024 – GAR141(1)(c) & GAR151(1), failed to present the greyhound “Manipulation” free of the prohibited substance ‘Gabapentin’ for an examination for the purpose of a stand-down period being varied or revoked at Warrnambool on 10 August 2023. Mr Crisafi pleaded not guilty. The VRT imposed a 3-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, and a $2000 fine with $1500 suspended for 12 months, in addition to a $250 fine for failing to satisfactorily complete treatment records. This finding activates the suspended penalty from a previous VRT hearing on 31 March 2023, being a 10-month suspension.
Garry Selkrig – VRT Hearing 29 April 2024 – GAR159(3)(b), GAR158(1) & GAR164(a), On 17 December 2023, Mr Selkrig possessed a possum carcass for the purpose of being used as bait in the form of a lure and provided false and misleading information during an inquiry. Mr Selkrig pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 12-year disqualification and a $250 fine.
Laurie Rounds – VRT Hearing 30 April 2024 – GAR156(f)(ii) & GAR164(b), engaged in inappropriate behaviour during a VRT hearing on 7 June 2023 and failed to attend an inquiry on 11 October 2023. Mr Rounds did not attend the hearing. The VRT found Mr Rounds guilty of both charges and imposed a total 4-year disqualification.
Alan Campbell – VRT Appeal 30 April 2024 – GAR129, the greyhound “War Knee” was charged with an unsatisfactory performance at Traralgon on 19 April 2024. Mr Campbell pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.
Frederick Malloy – VRT Hearing 2 May 2024 – GAR29(1)(a), GAR29(1)(b), GAR159(1)(c), GAR159(1)(d) & GAR165(a), It was alleged that Mr Malloy failed to have effective control of greyhounds in a public place, failed to appropriately muzzle greyhounds and failed to use all reasonable endeavours to prevent greyhounds from pursuing or attacking a live animal, on 16 December 2023. Mr Malloy pleaded not guilty to all charges. The VRT dismissed all charges.
Kevin Tirchett – VRT Hearing 6 May 2024 – LR42.6(c), GAR24(1), LR12.1, GAR24(1), LR12.2, GAR34(5)(a) & GAR156(h), Between 13 July 2022 and 21 June 2023, it was alleged that Mr Tirchett failed to make reasonable efforts to rehome greyhounds when surrendering to a Pound, failed to sterilise greyhounds prior to leaving his custody, failed to keep appropriate rehoming records, failed to notify GRV of greyhounds leaving his custody and failed to comply with a lawful order to possess an EHMP. Mr Tirchett pleaded not guilty to all charges. The VRT dismissed four (4) charges dismissed relating to pound surrenders. The VRT imposed a 6-month suspension and a $1800 fine with $600 suspended for 12 months on the remaining charges.
Kate Gorman – VRT Appeal 17 May 2024 – GAR123, the greyhound “Volkanovski” was charged with marring at Sandown on 13 May 2024. Ms Gorman pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.
Ebony Deglaitis – VRT Hearing 22 May 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “She Devil” free of the prohibited substance ‘Ketoprofen’ for an event at Warrnambool on 5 October 2023. Ms Deglaitis pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “She Devil” was disqualified from the event.
Indiah Guy – VRT Hearing 22 May 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Unknown Ability” free of the prohibited substance ‘Theobromine’ for an event at Bendigo on 29 September 2023. Ms Guy pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, and a $500 fine. “Unknown Ability” was disqualified from the event.
Jeanette Spruyt – VRT Hearing 24 May 2024 – GAR86(o), On 12 November 2021, Ms Spruyt allowed a participant to inject a greyhound with the expired substance “Feron 200 + B12” when not an approved person to administer injectable supplements under the conditions of the EHMP. Ms Spruyt pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 2-month suspension.
Michael Gibbons – VRT Stay Hearing 25 May 2024 – GAR156(w), On 23 February 2024, Mr Gibbons published a social media post in contravention of the Social Media Policy. Mr Gibbons pleaded not guilty. On 24 May 2024, Investigative Stewards imposed a 6-month suspension, with 3 months suspended for 12 months and a $1500 fine, with $500 suspended for 12 months. The VRT granted a stay of the suspension until 29 May 2024.
Shelly-Ann Warde – VRT Hearing 28 May 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Gutherson” free of the prohibited substance ‘Procaine’ for an event at Healesville on 16 December 2022. Ms Warde pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Gutherson” was disqualified from the event.
Brian Selleck – VRT Hearing 29 May 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Our Blue Haze” free of the prohibited substance ‘Ketoprofen’ for an event at Warragul on 25 June 2023. Mr Selleck pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1200 suspended for 24 months. “Our Blue Haze” was disqualified from the event.
John Taylor – VRT Hearing 7 June 2024 – GAR156(z), GAR162(e), GAR156(f)(ii), GAR21(2), GAR21(1)(d), GAR164(a) & GAR156(h), Mr Taylor possessed and used a shock collar on a greyhound prior to kennelling at Warrnambool on 29 June 2023, which was capable of affecting its performance. On 3 July 2023, Mr Taylor failed to provide veterinary attention and prevent the pain and suffering of two greyhounds with injuries and provided false and misleading information regarding treatment sought. Further, Mr Taylor failed to comply with a lawful order to assist with a kennel inspection. Mr Taylor did not attend the hearing. The found Mr Taylor guilty on all charges and imposed a total disqualification period of 2 years and 4 months, in addition to a total fine of $3500 with $1000 suspended for 12 months.
Michael Gibbons – VRT Appeal Hearing 7 June 2024 – GAR156(w), On 23 February 2024, Mr Gibbons published a social media post in contravention of the Social Media Policy. Mr Gibbons pleaded not guilty. The VRT varied the Stewards’ original penalty and imposed a 3-month suspension with 2 months suspended for 24 months and $250 fine, wholly suspended for 24 months. This finding activates the suspended penalty from a previous Stewards Hearing Report on 20 February 2023, being a 2-month suspension and a $250 fine.
Max Zammit – VRT Hearing 12 June 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Lady Arandt” free of the prohibited substance ‘Meloxicam’ for an event at Ballarat on 28 August 2023. Mr Zammit pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Lady Arandt” was disqualified from the event.
Mary Inguanti– VRT Hearing 13 June 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR142(1), failed to present the greyhound “Madam Nova” free of, and caused to be administered, the prohibited substance ‘Cobalt’ for an event at Warrnambool on 28 February 2023. Mrs Inguanti pleaded guilty to presentation and did not enter a plea regarding administration. The VRT found Mrs Inguanti guilty on both charges and imposed a 12-month suspension on each charge, wholly suspended for 12 months. “Madam Nova” was disqualified from the event.
Vito Inguanti– VRT Hearing 13 June 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR142(1), failed to present the greyhound “Inga Luna” free of, and caused to be administered, the prohibited substance ‘Cobalt’ for an event at Warrnambool on 28 February 2023. Mr Inguanti pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a 12-month suspension on each charge, wholly suspended for 12 months. “Inga Luna” was disqualified from the event.
Kevin Tirchett – VRT Hearing 17 June 2024 – GAR156(h), GAR21(1)(c), GAR21(3) & GAR156(w), On 30 November 2023 Mr Tirchett failed to comply with Lawful Order to not house any greyhounds, failed to provide compliant kennels, kept his premises in conditions likely to be dangerous to health and safety of greyhounds and failed to comply with the Code of Practice requiring possession of an EHMP. Mr Tirchett did not attend the hearing. The VRT imposed a total disqualification period of 18 months in addition to a $500 fine.
Mark Faulkner – VRT Hearing 19 June 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Ritza Dale” free of the prohibited substance ‘Meloxicam’ for an event at Bendigo on 13 September 2023. Mr Faulkner pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Ritza Dale” was disqualified from the event.
Patrick Bull – VRT Hearing 19 June 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Milski” free of the prohibited substance ‘Meloxicam’ for an event at Healesville on 22 September 2023. Mr Bull pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $300 fine. “Milski” was disqualified from the event. This finding activates the suspended penalty from a previous VRT hearing on 11 January 2023, being a 3-month suspension.
Kaylah Thorburn – VRT Appeal 20 June 2024 – GAR129, the greyhound “Keep Me Close” was charged with an unsatisfactory performance at Sale on 16 June 2024. Ms Thorburn pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.
Gerard O’Keeffe – VRT Hearing 27 June 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Bagman” free of the prohibited substance ‘Sotalol’ for an event at Warragul on 8 August 2023. Mr O’Keeffe pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 12 months. “Bagman” was disqualified from the event. This finding activates the suspended penalty from a previous VRT hearing on 23 November 2022, being a 3-month suspension and a $1000 fine.
Christine Ithier – VRT Hearing 27 June 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Sidewinder” free of the prohibited substances ‘Chlorothiazide’ and ‘Hydrochlorothiazide’ for an event at Healesville on 27 October 2023. Mr Faulkner pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Sidewinder” was disqualified from the event.
Stewards’ Hearing Reports
Lorenzo Carbone – Stewards Hearing 2 April 2024 – GAR22(1)(a), On 7 August 2023, Mr Carbone failed to notify GRV of the rehoming of a greyhound. Mr Carbone pleaded guilty. Stewards imposed a $500 fine.
Adriano Moro – Stewards Hearing 3 April 2024 – GAR165(a), On 19 and 20 March 2024, Mr Moro engaged in insulting language and threatening behaviours towards GRV staff members. Mr Moro pleaded not guilty. Stewards imposed a $250 fine.
Dean Halas – Stewards Hearing 17 April 2024 – GAR165(a), On 25 March 2024, Mr Halas engaged in inappropriate language, aggression and behaviours towards GRV staffs at Traralgon. Mr Halas pleaded guilty. Stewards imposed a 3-month suspension with 2 months suspended for 12 months, and a $500 fine with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Mark Giddings – Stewards Hearing 7 May 2024 – GAR151 & GAR156(w), On 2 May 2024, Mr Giddings failed to maintain treatment records and failed to comply with the Code of Practice requirement to possess an EHMP. Mr Giddings pleaded guilty to both charges. Stewards imposed a 1-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months.
Lewis Green – Stewards Hearing 20 May 2024 – LR14.3.1, On 6 March 2023, Mr Green failed to notify GRV within two (2) working days of the death of a greyhound. Mr Green pleaded guilty. Stewards imposed a 1-month suspension.
Anita Gibbons – Stewards Hearing 20 May 2024 – GAR165(a) & GAR156(w), On 17 February 2024, Ms Gibbons engaged in conduct detrimental to the interest, image and control of Greyhound Racing and breached GRV Social Media Guidelines by sending a text message which contained threatening language towards another GRV participant. Ms Gibbons pleaded guilty to both charges. Stewards imposed a total fine of $1000 with $500 suspended for 12 months.
Michael Gibbons – Stewards Hearing 24 May 2024 – GAR156(w), On 23 February 2024, Mr Gibbons published a social media post in contravention of the Social Media Policy. Mr Gibbons pleaded not guilty. Investigative Stewards imposed a 6-month suspension, with 3 months suspended for 12 months and a $1500 fine, with $500 suspended for 12 months. This finding activates the suspended penalty from a previous Stewards Hearing Report on 20 February 2023, being a 2-month suspension and a $250 fine. This matter was appealed to the VRT.
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