| Offences & Activity | February 2023 |
| Marring | 20 |
| Fail to Chase | 29 |
| Satisfactory Trials Cleared | 32 |
| Satisfactory Trials Not Cleared | 16 |
| Samples (Swabs) Taken | 1053 |
| Positive Swabs from RASL | 8 |
| VRT Positive Swab Cases Heard | 2 |
| VRT Appeals Heard | 1 |
| VRT Stay Applications | 0 |
| VRT Animal Welfare Cases Heard | 2 |
| VRT Misconduct Cases Heard | 2 |
| Stewards’ Hearings Heard | 5 |
| POCTA/DAA Prosecutions | 0 |
| VCAT Appeals Heard | 0 |
Swabbing Numbers
• Swabs taken 2021 – 2022 financial year (01/07/2021 – 30/06/2022) = 10666
• Swabs taken 2022 – 2023 financial year = 7663
PROSECUTIONS OVERVIEW
Victorian Racing Tribunal
Jennifer Gieschen – VRT Hearing 1 February 2023 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Valencia Ted” free of the prohibited substance ‘Meloxicam’ for an event at Sale on 12 August 2022. Ms Gieschen pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1000 fine, with $500 suspended for 24 months. “Valencia Ted” was disqualified from the event.
Guiseppe Girvasi – VRT Hearing 3 February 2023 – GAR106(1)(d), GAR106(2), GAR84A(1), GAR84A(2) & GAR86(p), Between January and July 2021, Mr Girvasi failed to prevent a greyhound from being subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering, failed to seek veterinary attention for the greyhound, failed to comply with lawful Directions to provide clinical veterinary notes and failed to keep and retain appropriate treatment records. Mr Girvasi pleaded not guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a 6-month disqualification and an $800 fine.
Anthony Ebeyer – VRT Hearing 15 February 2023 – GAR104(6)(c) & GAR86(d), engaged in betting transactions while acting in an official capacity at Healesville between January and September 2021 and made a false statement in relation to the investigation. Mr Ebeyer pleaded guilty to both charges. The VRT imposed a 12-month disqualification and a $500 fine. This matter was appealed to VCAT and is awaiting outcome.
Kevin McMahon – VRT Hearing 21 February 2023 – GAR21(1)(a), GAR21(1)(c), GAR21(1)(d), GAR21(1)(e), GAR21(3) & GAR86(q), On 27 May 2022, Mr McMahon failed to provide sufficient food, drink, kennels, veterinary attention and appropriate treatment for a sick greyhound and permitted the kennelling premises to have conditions that are likely to be dangerous to the health, welfare or safety of two (2) greyhounds. Additionally, Mr McMahon engaged in conduct which is detrimental or prejudicial to the interest and image of greyhound racing during an SMS exchange on 31 May 2022 regarding the kennelling of two (2) greyhounds. Mr McMahon pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a 6-month disqualification and a $500 fine.
Geoffrey Howell – VRT Hearing 23 February 2023 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Rumour is Fact” free of the prohibited substance ‘Theobromine’ for an event at Traralgon on 6 May 2022. Mr Howell pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 6-month suspension, with 5 months suspended for 24 months, and a $1000 fine. “Rumour is Fact” was disqualified from the event.
Jason Sharp – VRT Appeal 23 February 2023 – GAR123, the greyhound “Aston Filippa” was charged with marring at Traralgon on 17 February 2023. Mr Sharp pleaded not guilty. The VRT upheld the appeal.
Damien Senn – VRT Hearing 24 February 2023 – GAR86(e) & GAR86(o), engaged in misconduct relating to the rehoming of three (3) greyhounds by failing to provide a secure, long-term home, and failed to attend inquiries as directed by the Stewards. Mr Senn did not attend the hearing. The VRT found Mr Senn guilty of all charges and imposed a total disqualification period of 18 months.
Stewards’ Hearing Reports
Michael Gibbons – Stewards Hearing 16 February 2023 – GAR165(a), On 21 September 2022 and 17 November 2022, Mr Gibbons posted comments on the Aussie Greyhound Forums social media site which were detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing. Mr Gibbons pleaded not guilty to the first charge, and guilty to the second charge. Stewards imposed a 3-month suspension, with 2 months suspended for 24 months, and a $500 fine with $250 suspended for 24 months.
Ibrahim Kama – Stewards Hearing 27 February 2023 – GAR165(a), On 3 December 2022, Mr Kama engaged in conduct which was detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing during an altercation with another patron at The Meadows Greyhound Racing Association. Mr Kama pleaded guilty. Stewards imposed a 1-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months, and a $500 fine with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Maria Barber – Stewards Hearing 28 February 2023 – GAR165(a), On 22 February 2023, Ms Barber engaged in conduct that was detrimental and/or prejudicial to the image and/or control of greyhound racing when speaking in a loud and hostile manner towards a GRV Veterinarian at the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club. Ms Barber pleaded not guilty. Stewards imposed a $500 fine, with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Alisdair Armstrong – Stewards Hearing 7 February 2023 – GAR165(a), On 11 July 2022, Mr Armstrong engaged in conduct which was detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing during a conversation with a GRV employee to discuss unretiring a greyhound. Mr Armstrong pleaded not guilty. Stewards imposed a $500 fine with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Patricia Smith – Stewards Hearing 21 February 2023 – GAR30(2), On 7 February 2023, Mrs Smith used a barking muzzle on a greyhound at the Horsham Greyhound Racing Club. Mrs Smith pleaded guilty. Stewards imposed a $250 fine.