Date: 05/04/2024
Stewards Activity
| Offences & Activity | February 2024 | March 2024 |
| Marring | 18 | 22 |
| Fail to Chase | 34 | 32 |
| Satisfactory Trials Cleared | 30 | 35 |
| Satisfactory Trials Not Cleared | 15 | 18 |
| Samples (Swabs) Taken | 796 | 752 |
| Positive Swabs from RASL | 7 | 2 |
| VRT Positive Swab Cases Heard | 9 | 9 |
| VRT Animal Welfare Cases Heard | 1 | 2 |
| VRT Misconduct Cases Heard | 4 | 0 |
| VRT Appeals Heard | 4 | 2 |
| VRT Stay Applications | 0 | 0 |
| Stewards’ Hearings Heard | 8 | 1 |
| POCTA/DAA Prosecutions | 0 | 0 |
| VCAT Stay Applications | 0 | 0 |
| VCAT Appeals Heard | 0 | 0 |
Swabbing Numbers
- Swabs taken 2022 – 2023 financial year (01/07/2022 – 30/06/2023) = 11272
- Swabs taken 2023 – 2024 financial year = 8109
Prosecutions Overview
Victorian Racing Tribunal
Colin Goodman – VRT Appeal 2 February 2024 – GAR124, the greyhound “Flying Speed” was charged with failing to pursue at Bendigo on 24 January 2024. Mr Goodman pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.
Kenneth Kubik – VRT Hearing 6 February 2024 – GAR141(1), GAR139(3) & GAR151, failed to present the greyhound “Global Charm” free of the prohibited substance ‘Tapentadol’ for an event at Shepparton on 16 February 2023. An Out of Competition Test sample taken from the greyhound “Bright Black” on 29 March 2023 was found to contain the prohibited substance ‘Tapentadol’. Mr Kubik pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a 12-month suspension, with 10 months suspended for 24 months, and a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months, to be served concurrently. An additional fine of $200 fine was imposed for failing to produce treatment records. “Global Charm” was disqualified from the event.
Ross Boag – VRT Hearing 8 February 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Zambora Topaz” free of the prohibited substance ‘Theobromine’ for an event at Ballarat on 14 June 2023. Mr Boag pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, and a $500 fine. “Zambora Topaz” was disqualified from the event.
Gregory Kerr – VRT Hearing 8 February 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Cheeky Bluebird” free of the prohibited substance ‘Sotalol’ for an event at Traralgon on 8 May 2023. Mr Kerr pleaded not guilty. The VRT found Mr Kerr guilty and imposed a 3-month suspension, with 2 months suspended for 24 months. “Cheeky Bluebird” was disqualified from the event.
Tony Tufo – VRT Hearing 8 February 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Darkened Spirits” free of the prohibited substance ‘Meloxicam’ for an event at Warragul on 16 June 2023. Mr Tufo pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Darkened Spirits” was disqualified from the event.
Deborah Coleman – VRT Hearing 12 February 2024 – GAR165(c)(i), GAR156(f)(i) & GAR165(a), engaged in the use of improper, insulting and/or aggressive conduct towards Stewards and entered the track without permission from the Stewards at Ballarat on 26 June 2023. Ms Coleman pleaded not guilty to entering the track without permission. The VRT found Ms Coleman guilty of all charges and imposed a 2-month suspension and a $1500 fine.
Brian Hodgson – VRT Hearing 12 February 2024 – GAR165(c)(i), GAR156(f)(i) & GAR165(a), engaged in the use of improper, insulting and/or aggressive conduct towards Stewards and a Club Official and entered the track without permission from the Stewards at Ballarat on 26 June 2023. Mr Hodgson pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a 2-month suspension and a $1500 fine.
Ibrahim Kama – VRT Appeal 13 February 2024 – GAR 169 (5) (c), Mr Kama appealed GRV’s decision to suspend Mr Kama’s licence for an indefinite period on 9 January 2024 pending the outcome of an inquiry. The VRT dismissed the appeal.
Troy Scott – VRT Hearing 13 February 2024 – GAR106(1)(c), GAR86(p), GAR105(4)(i) & GAR137(1)(b), Between 23 February 2021 and 17 June 2021, Mr Scott failed to provide kennels compliant with the Code of Practice, failed to comply with lawful orders, failed to notify GRV of a greyhound coming into his custody and failed to provide vaccination certificates for litters bred. Mr Scott pleaded not guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a total disqualification period of 6 months and a $2500 fine.
Paulette Webb – VRT Hearing 15 February 2024 – GAR28, GAR156(h) & GAR164(b), On 25 May 2022, a greyhound owned by Mrs Webb was found straying in public. Mrs Webb failed to comply with a lawful order and failed to attend an inquiry on 21 February 2023. The VRT found Mrs Webb guilty on all charges and imposed a total disqualification period of 18 months in addition to a $250 fine.
Gregory Schofield – VRT Hearing 20 February 2024 – GAR156(i), GAR156(h), LR68.1.2 & GAR164(a), On 20 July 2023, Mr Schofield prevented a kennel inspection at his registered address and failed to comply with a lawful order. On 22 August 2023, Mr Schofield trialled a greyhound at Bendigo whilst suspended and provided false and misleading information during an inquiry on 13 September 2023. Mr Schofield pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a total disqualification period of 20 months.
Kate Gorman – VRT Appeal 26 February 2024 – GAR123, the greyhound “Highland Warrior” was charged with marring at Sale on 18 February 2024. Ms Gorman pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.
Pasquale Derubeis – VRT Hearing 27 February 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhounds “Spartan’s Fury” and “Valhalla Boy” free of the prohibited substances ‘Caffeine, Theophylline, Paraxanthine and Theobromine’ or events at Traralgon and Healesville on 3 April 2023, 14 April 2023 and 28 April 2023. Mr Derubeis pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, and a $2000 fine. “Spartan’s Fury” and “Valhalla Boy” were disqualified from the events.
Tony Interligi – VRT Hearing 27 February 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR151(1), failed to present the greyhound “Inter Cyborg” free of the prohibited substance ‘Meloxicam’ for an event at Healesville on 16 June 2023. Mr Interligi pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months, and a $2000 fine with $1500 suspended for 12 months. An additional $100 fine was imposed for failing to satisfactorily complete treatment records. “Inter Cyborg” was disqualified from the event.
Cameron Hudson – VRT Hearing 28 February 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Amy Jay” free of the prohibited substance ‘Arsenic’ for an event at Geelong on 22 August 2023. Mr Hudson pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 6-month suspension, with 5 months suspended for 24 months. “Amy Jay” was disqualified from the event.
Adele Powell – VRT Hearing 28 February 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Bear Lee Crime” free of the prohibited substance ‘2-(1-hydroxyethyl)promazine sulphoxide’ for an event at Shepparton on 27 June 2023. Ms Powell pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $2000 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Bear Lee Crime” was disqualified from the event.
Robert Camilleri – VRT Hearing 28 February 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Edi Bale” free of the prohibited substance ‘Codeine’ for an event at The Meadows on 5 August 2023. Mr Camilleri pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 3-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, and a $1500 fine. “Edi Bale” was disqualified from the event.
Ibrahim Kama – VRT Hearing 4 March 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. Mr Kama pleaded not guilty to seven of eight charges. The VRT found Mr Kama guilty of all charges and 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. This matter was appealed to VCAT and is awaiting outcome.
Greg Johnson – VRT Hearing 5 March 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR142(1), failed to present the greyhound “Trip Me Up” free of, and administered, the prohibited substance ‘Cobalt’ for an event at Healesville on 3 April 2023. Mr Johnson pleaded guilty to both charges. The VRT imposed a 12-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months. “Trip Me Up” was disqualified from the event.
Jayden Cassar – VRT Hearing 5 March 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR151(1), failed to present the greyhound “Windy Biscuit” free of the prohibited substances ‘Caffeine, Theophylline, Paraxanthine and Theobromine’ for an event at Ballarat on 7 August 2023. Mr Cassar pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, in addition to a $300 fine for failing to produce treatment records. “Windy Biscuit” was disqualified from the event.
John Burch – VRT Hearing 5 March 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Busy Time” free of the prohibited substances ‘Theobromine’ and ‘Metformin’ for an event at Warragul on 26 March 2023. Mr Burch pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months and a $500 fine, wholly suspended for 12 months, on each charge. “Busy Time” was disqualified from the event.
Kate Jackson – VRT Hearing 6 March 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Siala Giblet” free of the prohibited substance ‘Dexamethasone’ for an event at The Meadows on 12 July 2023. Ms Jackson pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine. “Siala Giblet” was disqualified from the event.
David Bottrell – VRT Hearing 6 March 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Mighty Innings” free of the prohibited substance ‘Procaine’ for an event at Healesville on 18 August 2023. Mr Bottrell pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 3-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, and a $2000 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Mighty Innings” was disqualified from the event.
Julie Belsham – VRT Hearing 6 March 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Johnny” free of the prohibited substance ‘Procaine’ for an event at Warragul on 30 March 2023. Ms Belsham pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 3-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, and a $2000 fine with $1000 suspended for 24 months. “Johnny” was disqualified from the event.
Adrian Smit – VRT Hearing 15 March 2024 – GAR21(2), GAR21(1)(d), GAR21(3), GAR21(1)(c), GAR21(1)(a), GAR34(7)(a) & GAR21(1)(a). Between 6 September 2022 and 30 November 2022, Mr Smit failed to prevent pain and suffering and/or provide veterinary attention to greyhounds, kept greyhounds in conditions likely to be dangerous to their health, welfare and safety, failed to provide appropriate kennels, failed to provide proper and sufficient drink and failed to seek permission before leaving greyhounds in the care of another person. Mr Smit pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a total disqualification period of 24 months, with 18 months suspended for 12 months, and a $3000 fine with $1500 suspended for 12 months.
Martin Taylor – VRT Hearing 20 March 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR151(1), failed to present the greyhound “Lamont Bale” free of the prohibited substances ‘Caffeine, Theophylline, Paraxanthine and Theobromine’ for an event at Warrnambool on 31 July 2023. Mr Taylor pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months, in addition to a $300 fine, wholly suspended for 12 months, for failing to produce treatment records. “Lamont Bale” was disqualified from the event.
Jason Thompson – VRT Appeal 15 March 2024 – GAR123, the greyhound “Verdi” was charged with marring at Healesville on 13 March 2024. Mr Thompson pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.
Margaret Salvatore – VRT Hearing 20 March 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR148(1), failed to present the greyhound “Devine Sal” free of the prohibited substance Dexamethasone’ for an event at Healesville on 2 June 2023, and possession of unregistered substances ‘Tone *’ & ‘Power k9 Oral Formula’. Ms Salvatore pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a total fine of $2500, with $750 suspended for 12 months. “Devine Sal” was disqualified from the event.
Jessica Lyons – VRT Hearing 21 March 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR151(1), failed to present the greyhound “Cohuna Matata” free of the prohibited substances ‘Arsenic’ and ‘Procaine’ for an event at Bendigo on 29 March 2023. Ms Lyons pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 6-month suspension with 4 months suspended for 12 months and a $2000 fine, wholly suspended for 24 months, in addition to a $200 fine for failing to produce treatment records. “Cohuna Matata” was disqualified from the event.
Paul Herry – VRT Appeal 25 March 2024 – GAR129, the greyhound “Rose of Terang” was charged with unsatisfactory performance at Geelong on 15 March 2024. Mr Herry pleaded not guilty. The VRT upheld the appeal and dismissed the charge.
Stewards’ Hearing Reports
Stavros Kipirtidis – Stewards Hearing 2 February 2024 – GAR165(a), On 22 January 2024, Mr Kipirtidis engaged in conduct that was detrimental and/or prejudicial to the control of greyhound racing at the Greyhound Australasia offices. Mr Kipirtidis pleaded not guilty. Stewards found Mr Kipirtidis guilty and imposed a $500 fine with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Luckie Karabitsakos – Stewards Hearing 8 February 2024 – GAR165(a), On 16 November 2023, Mr Karabitsakos engaged in conduct that was detrimental and/or prejudicial to the control of greyhound racing by using insulting and offensive language towards Stewards at Sandown. Mr Karabitsakos pleaded not guilty. Stewards found Mr Karabitsakos guilty and imposed a $1500 fine, with $750 suspended for 24 months. This matter was appealed to the VRT and is awaiting outcome.
Stephen Whyte – Stewards Hearing 13 February 2024 – GAR165(a), On 1 February 2024, Mr Whyte engaged in conduct that was detrimental and/or prejudicial to the control of greyhound racing by engaging in insulting and threatening behaviours towards Investigative Stewards during a property inspection. Mr Whyte pleaded guilty. Stewards imposed a 1-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months, and a $500 fine with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Leslie Kenyon – Stewards Hearing 22 February 2024 – GAR165(a), On 25 September 2023, Mr Kenyon engaged in a confrontation with other GRV participants and sent an email to Investigative Stewards on 28 February 2024 which was detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing. Mr Kenyon did not appear. Stewards found Mr Kenyon guilty and imposed a 1-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months in addition to a total fine of $500.
Glenn Campbell – Stewards Hearing 22 February 2024 – LR42.9(a), GAR151(3) & GAR156(w), Between 2020 and 2022, Mr Campbell failed to notify GRV of the deaths of three (3) greyhounds, failed to maintain treatment records and failed to comply with the shade and grass requirements as required by the Code of Practice. Mr Campbell pleaded guilty to all charges. Stewards imposed a total suspension period of 3 months, wholly suspended for 12 months, and a total fine of $750 fine with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Ronald Fisher – Stewards Hearing 22 February 2024 – GAR165(a), On 25 September 2023, Mr Fisher engaged in a confrontation with other GRV participants. Mr Fisher pleaded not guilty. Stewards found Mr Fisher guilty and imposed a 4-month suspension, with 3 months suspended for 12 months. This matter was appealed to the VRT and heard on 28 February 2024. The VRT varied the penalty to a 1-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months, and a $500 fine with $250 suspended for 12 months.
Joseph Abela – Stewards Hearing 23 February 2024 – GAR165(c)(iii), GAR165(a) & LR68.1.3, On 25 January 2024, Mr Abela engaged in conduct that was insulting, improper and offensive towards a Club employee Stewards at Warragul and his attendance attracted the attention and intervention of Victoria Police. On 12 December 2023 and 25 January 2024, Mr Abela attended the Warragul racetrack whilst subject to a period of licence suspension. Mr Abela pleaded guilty to improper conduct towards a Club employee, and not guilty to all remaining charges. Stewards found Mr Abela guilty on all charges and imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months, and a $1500 fine with $500 suspended for 12 months.
Scott Blacksell – Stewards Hearing 27 February 2024 – LR12.2.1, LR12.2.2 & GAR156(w), On 8 June 2023, Mr Blacksell failed to comply with record keeping and notification requirements relating to the rehoming of five (5) greyhounds. Mr Blacksell pleaded guilty to all charges. Stewards imposed a 5-month suspension, with 4 months suspended for 12 months and a $1000 fine with $500 suspended for 12 months.
Scott James – Stewards Hearing 4 March 2024 – GAR75(6)(a), Between 25 July 2022 and 21 November 2022, Mr James engaged in betting transactions on races where he was acting in the official position of Starter. Mr James pleaded guilty. Stewards imposed a 3-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months, and a total fine of $5000 with $3750 suspended for 12 months. This matter was appealed to the VRT and is awaiting outcome.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this page was accurate at the time of publishing.