Bandit Brad was slow to begin.  Iggy Wiggy was checked off Scott Lucky on the first turn checking Black Bindi.  Flowering Rose lost ground in the home straight.

Flowering Rose was vetted following the event.  It was reported that the greyhound sustained an injured left and right shoulder muscle, a 5 day stand down period was imposed.

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MEETING COMMENTS:

Satisfactory trial results (GAR 77A), weight and whelping:-

Stewards spoke to Mr. S. Creighton, the trainer of Cruella Deville, regarding the length of time since the greyhound last raced.  Cruella Deville last raced on 22/12/17. Mr. Creighton stated that the greyhound was returning to racing following whelping a litter of pups.  Pursuant to GAR 77A Cruella Deville trialled over 315 metres from box 5, weight 27.6kg, the greyhound was placed third in a field of 5.  The time of the trial was 18.59 secs, the greyhound was beaten by a margin of 5.5 lengths. Cruella Deville was cleared.

Satisfactory trial results (GAR 77A):-

Stewards spoke to Mr. A. Simmons, the representative for Dr. Murtle, regarding the length of time since the greyhound last raced.  Dr. Murtle last raced on 15/01/18.  Mr. Simmons  stated that the greyhound was returning to racing following a seasonal spell.  Pursuant to GAR 77A Dr. Murtle trialled over 315 metres from box 3, weight 27.8kg, the greyhound was placed fifth in a field of 5.  The time of the trial was 18.59 secs, the greyhound was beaten by a margin of 6.5 lengths. Dr. Murtle was cleared.

Satisfactory trial results:-

Dr. Chella trialled over 315 metres from box 6, weight 28.4kg, the greyhound was placed fourth in a field of 5.  The time of the trial was 18.59 secs, the greyhound was beaten by a margin of 6 lengths. Dr. Chella was cleared.

Sambucca Rose trialled over 315 metres from box 8, weight 27.6kg, the greyhound was placed first in a field of 5.  The time of the trial was 18.59 secs, the greyhound won by a margin of a neck.  Sambucca Rose was cleared.

Satisfactory trial results (cramp):-

Zipping Duff trialled over 315 metres from box 1, weight 31.7kg, the greyhound was placed second in a field of 5.  The time of the trial was 18.59 secs, the greyhound was beaten by a margin of  a neck.  Zipping Duff was cleared.

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Stewards conducted an Inquiry into an incident which occurred at the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club Meeting on the 23rd July 2018, involving comments made in the kennelling area by Mr. Mark Busuttil in relation to the welfare of his greyhound “Elphaba Oz” when arranging a satisfactory trial. 

Stewards heard evidence from Mr. Mark Busuttil and Mrs Rachael Busuttil. Written evidence was also taken form GRV Steward Mr. Michael Lowe.  

After hearing the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Busuttil with a breach of Greyhounds Australasian Rule 86 (q) in that he did engage in conduct which is detrimental to the interest, image, welfare and promotion of greyhound racing, in that his behaviour and conduct was inappropriate when making a comment in the kennelling area, regarding the welfare of his greyhound "Elphaba Oz"

Mr. Busuttil pleaded guilty to the charge.

Stewards found Mr Busuttil guilty as charged and issued a fine of $600, with $300 suspended for twenty-four months pending no further breach of GAR 86 (q).

In determining penalty, Stewards took into consideration:

- Mr. Busuttil’s good record with GRV

- His guilty plea

- His honesty and remorse for his actions

- The need for general deterrence in matters of this nature

- Previous penalties relating to similar incidents

- The inherent need for officials to perform their duties without being subject to this type of conduct.