TASMANIAN greyhound trainer Mick Sherriff has been disqualified over two of his greyhounds producing positive swabs to caffeine.
Racing Services Tasmania stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a urine samples taken from the greyhounds Cradoc Hill and Dee Nine Dozer that are prepared by Sherriff.
The dogs tested positive after they contested races at the Hobart Greyhound Racing Club on 13 October 2011.
Analysis of the urine samples showed the presence of Caffeine and its metabolites Theophylline, Paraxanthine and Theobromine.
After hearing submissions from Sherriff, who trains at Latrobe on the North-West Coast, and considering evidence presented by Dr John Vine of Racing Analytical Services, stewards charged Mr Sherriff with two offences under GAR 83(2) (a) which state: “The owner, trainer or person in charge of a greyhound nominated to compete in an event; shall present the greyhound free of any drug.”
Sherriff entered a plea of not guilty to both charges.
After giving due consideration to Sherriff’s pleas, stewards found the trainer guilty on both charges.
Sherriff made a further submission regarding penalty upon which stewards handed down the following decisions –
Charge 1 – Swab sample taken from Cradoc Hill – Sherriff disqualified for a period of three months effective at the conclusion of the inquiry (19 December 2011) and expiring at midnight on 19 March 2012.
Charge 2 – Swab sample taken from “Dee Nine Dozer” – Sherriff was disqualified for a period of three (3) months, wholly suspended for a 12 month period from the date of any subsequent licence being granted, on the condition that he does not re-offend under the prohibited substances rule.
Sherriff has appealed the decision of stewards and has been granted a stay of proceedings.