Introducing a fair, fast and efficient process for certain Prohibited Substances Offences

If only the ‘presentation’ charge (or other non-serious offences) is preferred by Stewards for any positive sample, the matter will be resolved via a Stewards Inquiry and Hearing. However, the VRT will still hear and determine any appeals against these charges (i.e. findings of guilt or penalty).

The VRT will still hear and determine other matters listed in Local Rule 62 as a Serious Offence including detection of a permanently banned prohibited substance when a greyhound is not presented for an event (i.e. an out of competition sample), or where an administration charge is being laid.

The investigation will continue to be managed by Stewards within GRV’s Integrity & Welfare Unit.

GRV Stewards will continue to notify the trainer of the positive sample as per the current internal process.

Yes, owners will be notified via email of the irregularity in a greyhound they own.

Any sample can be taken from any greyhound at any time at the discretion of the Stewards. Whether samples are taken at this inspection will depend on the circumstances and the substances detected in the sample.

Yes, in accordance with the rules, GRV Stewards may inspect and search the premises, seize and retain items, and examine or test any greyhound believed to be registered or under the care of a registered person. They can also take samples from greyhounds, inspect tracks, equipment, kennels, medications, and other items potentially used on greyhounds. Additionally, they may inspect, copy, or extract documents and records related to greyhound racing found during their inspection.

Yes, the GRV Stewards will open an inquiry with you and provide you with ample opportunity to respond to any questions or charges laid throughout the inquiry. Being able to provide an explanation for the substance being detected in the greyhound and the circumstances surrounding the finding are important considerations for Stewards.

Yes, initially you will be provided a copy of the ‘A’ sample certificate of analysis, an information sheet and a notification letter. Once the ‘B’ sample result is received you will be provided a copy of the ‘B’ sample certificate of analysis and any other documentation the Stewards deem appropriate.

When a sample is collected, it is split into an ‘A’ and ‘B’ portion, before witnessing their packaging and sealing. The sample is then delivered for testing at Racing Analytical Services Ltd (RASL) where the ‘A’ portion is tested. If following analysis a prohibited substance is detected, RASL will generally arrange testing of the ‘B’ sample at another approved laboratory in accordance with GAR 154 and GRV’s Swab Sampling Policy & Procedures. Where the certificates of analysis for the ‘A’ sample and ‘B’ sample confirm the presence of the same prohibited substance, it constitutes conclusive evidence of the presence of a prohibited substance. This process ensures the integrity of the testing procedure and validates the presence of the prohibited substance found in the urine, hair or blood that was taken from your greyhound.

Once the ‘B’ sample is received by GRV Stewards, you will be contacted, usually by telephone and notified of the result of the ‘B’ wample and invited for further comment.

Where Stewards determine there is a ‘presentation’ charge to answer under this process, within seven days of the ‘B’ sample results notification you will be sent (by email) a package that will include important information and documents.

These include advice on submitting a written response to any charges issued (as outlined in the Charge Sheet), a Certificate of Analysis and a letter from RASL confirming test results, a Trainer Notification Letter, a Sample Identity Docket, an Information Sheet, and a Plea Notification Form to indicate a plea of guilty or not guilty. Other additional relevant materials may also be included as determined necessary by Stewards.

You will need to notify the GRV Stewards of this in writing.

Wait until you receive the package of materials and documents which will provide instructions on how to provide written submissions for consideration.

Within 14 days of receiving the package of material and documents you will be required to provide a written response for GRV Stewards to consider regarding why you are not guilty of any charges laid.

The decision on guilt will be made by Stewards after considering submissions (if any) from you and all of the evidence before them. The Stewards will notify you of the determination (guilty or not guilty of the charge/s) via a phone call and provide follow-up advice on next steps.

Within seven days of the determination of guilt you will receive a package that will include advice on the determination of liability (guilt) and will include instructions for submitting a written response on penalty, which is due two weeks from the date of service. Included are the Charge Sheet, your activity history, a schedule of precedents for the same substance (if any) of similar GAR 141(1) cases, the GRV Prohibited Substance Penalty Guidelines, and an information sheet. Any other material deemed relevant may also be included. Upon application, oral submissions will be considered.

The final decision on penalty will be made by the Stewards considering your submissions (if any), precedents for the same or similar substances, your record, the GRV Prohibited Substance Penalty Guidelines and all of the relevant evidence that has been presented for the case.

Within 24 hours of the decision, you will be notified by telephone and emailed the Hearing Report, the effects of the penalty, details of the disqualification of the greyhound and payment details for any fine/s or prizemoney returns and right of appeal.

Yes, you have a right to appeal within three days to the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT).

No, you can appeal the decision to the VRT but the matter in the first instance will be determined by the Stewards. The prohibited substance matters that will proceed direct to the VRT are those matters listed in Local Rule 62 as a Serious Offence including detection of a permanently banned prohibited substance when a greyhound is not presented for an event (i.e. an out of competition sample), or where an administration charge is being laid.

Yes, you may contact the Stewards and provide reasons why you need to make oral submissions instead of written submissions for the inquiry.

Yes, free and confidential support is always available for any matter through the Greyhound Participant Support Program on 1300 739 550.