GRIU Integrity Report – July-August 2024

Stewards Activity

Swabbing Numbers

• Swabs taken 2023 – 2024 financial year (01/07/2023 – 30/06/2024) = 10424
• Swabs taken 2024 – 2025 financial year = 1569

Prosecutions Overview

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Trevor Whitford – VCAT Appeal, Stay Application 3 July 2024 – Mr Whitford requested a stay of the decision made by the GRV Board to place conditions on his registration. VCAT refused the stay application.

Victorian Racing Tribunal

Michael Katsiris – VRT Hearing 3 July 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Gracious Gift” free of the prohibited substance ‘Heptaminol’ for an event at The Meadows on 22 November 2023. Mr Katsiris pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 12-month suspension with 10 months suspended for 24 months. “Gracious Gift” was disqualified from the event.

Jason Tolson – VRT Hearing 3 July 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Zipping Swazi” free of the prohibited substance ‘Diclofenac’ for an event at Bendigo on 8 November 2023. Mr Tolson pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $500 suspended for 12 months. “Zipping Swazi” was disqualified from the event.

Stavros Kipirtidis – VRT Decision 3 July 2024 – GAR156(f)(i), GAR165(a) & GAR164(a), it was alleged that on 6 December 2022, Mr Kipirtidis administered a sedative prior to the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) assessments for two (2) greyhounds to affect their behaviour, failed to advise the GAP assessors accordingly and provided false and misleading information during the investigation. Mr Kipirtidis pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed all charges.

Damian Meade – VRT Hearing 4 July 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Johari” free of the permanently banned prohibited substance ‘D-ARG2 Dermorphin 1-4 OH’ for an event at Traralgon on 18 August 2023. Mr Meade pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 12-month disqualification with 8 months suspended for 24 months. “Johari” was disqualified from the event.

Leslie Kenyon – VRT Hearing 10 July 2024 – GAR159(1)(a), GAR159(1)(c), GAR159(1)(d), GAR159(1)(b), GAR159(3)(b), GAR144(1)(d), GAR156(f)(ii), GAR164(b) & GAR164(a), On 1 September 2023, Mr Kenyon caused, permitted and/or allowed greyhounds to pursue or attack a live rabbit as a bait or lure and possessed a rabbit carcass for the purpose of being bait or lure. Between June and August 2023, Mr Kenyon attempted to possess EPO, and obtained live ferrets and rabbit nets to assist in catching rabbits to be used for live baiting. Additionally, Mr Kenyon made false/misleading statements during the investigation and failed to attend an inquiry in November 2023. Mr Kenyon did not attend the hearing. The VRT found Mr Kenyon guilty on all charges and imposed a life disqualification in addition to a total fine of $25,000.

Douglas Kenyon – VRT Hearing 10 July 2024 – GAR159(1)(a), GAR159(1)(c), GAR159(1)(d), GAR159(1)(b) & GAR164(a), On 1 September 2023, Mr Kenyon caused, permitted and/or allowed greyhounds to pursue or attack a live rabbit as a bait or lure and possessed a rabbit carcass for the purpose of being bait or lure. Additionally, Mr Kenyon failed to attend an inquiry in November 2023. Mr Kenyon did not attend the hearing. The VRT found Mr Kenyon guilty on all charges and imposed a life disqualification in addition to a total fine of $20,000.

Kenneth Buxton – VRT Hearing 15 July 2024 – GAR21(1)(c), GAR21(3), GAR21(1)(a), GAR21(1)(d), GAR21(2), GAR151, GAR165(a), GAR156(f)(ii), GAR156(h) & GAR164(b), Between 9 November 2022 and 21 February 2023, Mr Buxton failed to provide appropriate kennels, failed to provide proper and sufficient drink, caused or permitted conditions likely to be dangerous to the welfare of greyhounds, failed to maintain treatment records and failed to comply with lawful orders to maintain appropriate kennels and provide medical records for greyhounds. Between 5 and 9 February 2023, Mr Buxton failed to provide appropriate kennels, failed to provide veterinary attention to five (5) greyhounds. failed to prevent pain and suffering of five (5) greyhounds and caused or permitted conditions likely to be dangerous to the welfare of greyhounds. Furthermore, Mr Buxton engaged in detrimental and improper conduct in that a greyhound was housed in non-compliant living conditions and presented in extremely poor physical condition, and Mr Buxton failed to advise other persons responsible for the greyhound of its presence at the property. On 19 October 2023, Mr Buxton failed to provide appropriate kennels, failed to provide proper and sufficient drink, caused or permitted conditions likely to be dangerous to the welfare of greyhounds and failed to prevent the pain and suffering of greyhounds. Additionally, Mr Buxton failed to attend an inquiry on 10 November 2023. Mr Buxton did not attend the hearing. The VRT found Mr Buxton guilty on all charges bar one and imposed a total disqualification period of 19 years and 9 months, in addition to a $3500 fine.

Bianca Reed – VRT Hearing 15 July 2024 – GAR21(1)(c), GAR21(3), GAR21(1)(a), GAR21(1)(d), GAR21(2), GAR151, GAR165(a) & GAR156(f)(ii), Between 9 November 2022 and 21 February 2023, Ms Reed failed to provide appropriate kennels, failed to provide proper and sufficient drink, caused or permitted conditions likely to be dangerous to the welfare of greyhounds and failed to maintain treatment records. Between 5 and 9 February 2023, Ms Reed failed to provide appropriate kennels, failed to provide veterinary attention to five (5) greyhounds. failed to prevent pain and suffering of five (5) greyhounds and caused or permitted conditions likely to be dangerous to the welfare of greyhounds. Furthermore, Ms Reed engaged in detrimental and improper conduct in that a greyhound was housed in non-compliant living conditions and presented in extremely poor physical condition, and Ms Reed failed to advise other persons responsible for the greyhound of its presence at the property. Ms Reed did not attend the hearing. The VRT found Ms Reed guilty on all charges bar one and imposed a total warning off period of 12 years and 6 months in addition to a $1500 fine.

Brian Toner – VRT Hearing 16 July 2024 – GAR21(2), GAR21(1)(d), GAR21(3) & GAR21(1)(c),  On 6 & 7 September 2022, Mr Toner failed to prevent six (6) greyhounds from being subjected to pain and suffering, failed to provide greyhounds with veterinary attention, failed to provide greyhounds with appropriate kennels and permitted the conditions of his premises to be dangerous to the health, welfare or safety of greyhounds. Mr Toner did not attend the hearing. The VRT found Mr Toner guilty on all charges and imposed a total disqualification period of 18 months.

Calven Russell – VRT Hearing 16 July 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR151, failed to present the greyhounds “Gutherson” and “Sydney Showgirl” free of the prohibited substances ‘Procaine’ and ‘Guaifenesin’ for events at Healesville on 16 December 2022 and 28 February 2023, respectively. On 4 April 2023, Mr Russell failed to produce treatment records. Mr Russell pleaded not guilty to the “Gutherson” presentation and treatment record charges. The VRT found Mr Russell guilty on all charges and imposed a total fine of $2000. “Gutherson” and “Sydney Showgirl” were disqualified from the events.

Geoffrey Scott-Smith – VRT Appeal 17 July 2024 – GAR129, the greyhound “Dundee Cooper” was charged with unsatisfactory performance at Sandown on 11 July 2024. Mr Scott-Smith pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.

Scott James – VRT Appeal 26 July 2024 – GAR75(6)(c), Between July and November 2022, Mr James engaged in betting transactions on greyhounds where he acted as an Official, being a Starter. Investigative Stewards imposed a 3-month suspension, wholly suspended for 12 months and a $5000 fine with $3750 suspended for 12 months. Mr James pleaded not guilty. The VRT found Mr James guilty on all charges and imposed a total fine of $750, wholly suspended for 12 months.

Amanda Scott – VRT Appeal 30 July 2024 – GAR165(a), On 7 June 2024, Ms Scott engaged in conduct towards another participant at Bendigo which was detrimental to the interest and image of greyhound racing. Stewards imposed a $1000 fine with $500 suspended for 24 months. Ms Scott pleaded not guilty. The VRT upheld the appeal and dismissed the charge.

Rebekka Piper – VRT Hearing 5 August 2024 – GAR21(1)(d), GAR21(1)(e) & GAR21(2), Between 1 March 2024 and 5 March 2024, Ms Piper failed to provide appropriate vet treatment and failed to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering to an injured greyhound.  Ms Piper pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a total disqualification period of 12 months, with 6 months suspended for 24 months.

Ivan Chircop – VRT Appeal 7 August 2024 – GAR 169 (5) (c), Mr Chircop appealed GRV’s decision to suspend Mr Chircop’s licence regarding animal welfare charges on 22 July 2024 pending the outcome of an inquiry. The VRT dismissed the appeal.

Adam Richardson – VRT Hearing 9 August 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR151, failed to present the greyhound “Fireworks” free of the prohibited substance ‘Guaifenesin’ for an event at Warrnambool on 12 October 2023. Mr Richardson pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $800 suspended for 24 months, in addition to a $300 fine for failing to keep treatment records. “Fireworks” was disqualified from the event.

Benjamin Abela – VRT Appeal 12 August 2024 – GAR125, the greyhound “Crusoe Pearl” was charged with failing to pursue by reason of injury at The Meadows on 7 August 2024. Mr Abela pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.

Peter Arnott – VRT Hearing 13 August 2024 – GAR21(2), GAR162(e), GAR21(3) & GAR21(1)(c), On 28 July 2023, Mr Arnott possessed, and subjected greyhounds to, anti-bark shock collars, placing the greyhounds in conditions likely to be dangerous to their health, welfare and/or safety. Additionally, kennels at Mr Arnott’s property did not meet the minimum height requirements. Mr Arnott pleaded guilty to all charges. The VRT imposed a total suspension period of 3 months, in addition to a $1500 fine.

Ian Robinson – VRT Hearing 14 August 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Dunach Fireball” free of the prohibited substance ‘Meloxicam’ for an event at Ballarat on 4 October 2023. Mr Robinson pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month suspension, wholly suspended for 24 months and a $1500 fine with $500 suspended for 24 months. This finding activated a $1300 fine from the VRT hearing on 20 September 2022. “Dunach Fireball” was disqualified from the event and the subsequent semi-final at The Meadows on 11 October 2023.

Karen Pitt – VRT Hearing 14 August 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Classic Touch” free of the prohibited substance ‘Dexamethasone’ for an event at Warragul on 5 September 2023. Ms Pitt pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a $1500 fine with $500 suspended for 18 months. “Classic Touch” was disqualified from the event.

Robert Whitford – VRT Hearing 14 August 2024 – GAR141(1), failed to present the greyhound “Miss Haylee” free of the prohibited substance ‘Arsenic’ for an event at Warragul on 2 September 2023. Mr Whitford pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 6-month suspension. “Miss Haylee” was disqualified from the event.

Colin Baker – VRT Appeal 14 August 2024 – GAR124, the greyhound “Aaron Alpaca” was charged with failing to pursue at Geelong on 9 August 2024. Mr Baker pleaded not guilty. The VRT dismissed the appeal.

Jordan Formosa – VRT Hearing 22 August 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR142(1), failed to present the greyhound “Windy Biscuit” free of, and administered, the prohibited substance ‘Cobalt’ for an event at Shepparton on 29 June 2023. Mr Formosa pleaded guilty to the presentation charge, and not guilty to administration. The VRT found Mr Formosa guilty on both charges and imposed a 12-month suspension, with 11 months suspended for 24 months. “Windy Biscuit” was disqualified from the event.

Jason Formosa – VRT Hearing 22 August 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR142(1), failed to present the greyhounds “White Shiraz” and “Orson King” free of, and administered, the prohibited substance ‘Cobalt’ for events at Ballarat and Bendigo on 14 August 2023 and 30 June 2023, respectively. Mr Formosa pleaded guilty to presentation, and not guilty to administration. The VRT found Mr Formosa guilty on all charges and imposed a 12-month suspension, with 11 months suspended for 24 months. “White Shiraz” and “Orson King” were disqualified from the events.

John Mangion – VRT Hearing 23 August 2024 – GAR141(1) & GAR142(1), failed to present the greyhound “Bonnie’s Beast” free of, and administered, the prohibited substances ‘Levamisole, Aminorex, Rexamino and 4-phenyl-2-imidazolidinone (compound II)’ for an event at Sandown on 21 September 2023. Mr Mangion pleaded guilty to both charges. The VRT imposed a 6-month suspension with 4 months suspended for 24 months on each charge, to be served concurrently. “Bonnie’s Beast” was disqualified from the event.

Vincent Mileto – VRT Hearing 27 August 2024 – GAR156(f)(ii), engaged in inappropriate conduct towards another registered trainer during a phone call on 1 April 2024. Mr Mileto pleaded guilty. The VRT imposed a 4-month disqualification.

Stewards’ Hearing Reports

Frank Sampieri – Investigative Stewards Hearing 17 July 2024 – GAR165(a), On 9 May 2024, Mr Sampieri engaged in inappropriate language, aggression and behaviours towards GRV staff at Traralgon following a Greyhound Adoption Program Assessment. Mr Sampieri pleaded guilty. Investigative Stewards imposed a $500 fine, with $250 suspended for 12 months.

John Macri – Investigative Stewards Hearing 14 August 2024 – GAR24(1), On 13 May 2024, Mr Macri failed to ensure that the greyhound “Accountant” was sterilised by a veterinarian prior to being rehomed to a third-party. Mr Macri pleaded not guilty. Investigative Stewards found Mr Macri guilty and imposed a $200 fine, wholly suspended for 12 months.

DISCLAIMER: The content on this page was accurate at the time of publishing.