Stewards Inquiry - Incident that occurred at a Bendigo Greyhound Training Complex, Thursday 21 June 2018:

On Tuesday 3 July 2018, GRV Stewards inquired into an incident that occurred at the registered training address of Rosslyn Nicholls on Thursday 21 June 2018, during a kennel visit by GRV Officials to take Out of Competition samples from several kennels and greyhounds.  After hearing evidence from GRV Industry Veterinarian Dr Nick Evans, GRV Steward Ms Roslyn Fazulla, Registered Participant Mrs Roselyn Nicholls and Attendant Mr Peter Nicholls, Stewards issued a charge to Mr Peter Nicholls under GAR 86 (q).  The specifics of the charge were that on Thursday 21 June 2018, during a kennel visit by GRV Officials, Mr Peter Nicholls engaged in conduct that was detrimental and prejudicial to the interests or control of greyhound racing by behaving in a loud, hostile and aggressive manner towards them, which resulted in Dr Evans aborting the blood sample that was being taken from Senorita Pepe.  Mr Nicholls pleaded guilty to the charge.  A fine of $1000 was imposed.

In determining penalty, the Stewards considered Mr Nicholls good and long record with GRV, his guilty plea and personal antecedence, that Mr Nicholls apologized personally to both officials and was remorseful for his actions.  Against these factors, Stewards considered the nature and gravity of the incident, the precedents and penalties of similar cases, the need to deter other participants from acting in a similar manner (being general deterrence).  Further, the consequences that flowed as a direct result of this behaviour in that the sample was not taken.  Participants must be aware that there are real consequences for this type of incident and should accept and be conscious that a license is a privilege and not a right.  Stewards noted that this was a sustained effort and not a spur of the moment act.  Persons performing official duties in relation to greyhound racing must not be subjected to aggressive and hostile behaviour during the course of these duties.  They have a right and expectation to conduct their role within the industry, without disproportionate challenge and overt confrontation.  Stewards have suspended half of the $1000 penalty, for 24 months, pending no further conduct related offences in this time.

Race 1 - Horsham, 3 July 2018:

Laile Brobio was slow to begin.  Harry Ora Bluey faltered soon after the start and tailed off.  Lucina Motief and Iceni Sailor collided on the first turn.  Laile Brobio checked off Lucina Motief entering the home straight.

Harry Ora Bluey was vetted following the event.  It was reported that the greyhound sustained a left hindleg back muscle injury, a 21 day stand down period was imposed.

Miracle Gem was vetted following the event.  It was reported that the greyhound sustained a spike wound the right hindleg, a 14 day stand down period was imposed.