Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) stewards conducted an inquiry on 6 August 2024 into reports received from the ChemCentre in Perth and Racing Analytical Services Limited (Vic), that the sample taken from Flying Freda after winning Race 2 at Cannington on 2 March 2024 was found to contain the prohibited substances Codeine, Morphine and Oripavine.
At the inquiry, evidence was presented from:
- Chem Centre representative – Dr N Beckett
- RWWA Regulatory Veterinarian - Dr C McMullen
- RWWA Investigator – Mr T Walton
- Trainer of Flying Freda - Mr C Halse
During the course of the inquiry, Dr Beckett (ChemCentre) gave evidence that the estimated levels of Codeine and Oripavine detected were low, and that Morphine was below the residue limit.
Pursuant to Rule 147(3) where the residue limit is not exceeded, the presence of that substance is not considered to be a breach of the prohibited substance rules.
Rule 147(6)(b) reads;
147 Residue substances and residue limits
(6) The following residue limits apply:
(b) morphine at a mass concentration of 200 nanograms per millilitre in a sample of urine
Dr McMullen (RWWA) gave further evidence that the alkaloid substance Oripavine, was an indicator that the presence of Codeine and Morphine was a likely result of the ingestion of poppy seeds.
After considering all the evidence provided at the inquiry, Mr Halse pleaded guilty to the following charge under Rule 141(1)(a).
GAR 141(1)(a) Greyhound to be free of prohibited substances.
The particulars being, Mr Chris Halse, as the trainer and a registered person with RWWA, presented Flying Freda to compete in Race 2 at Greyhounds WA Cannington on 2 March 2024 not free of the prohibited substances Codeine and Oripavine.
After adjourning to consider submissions made on penalty, stewards determined to issue a $2000 fine.
Further, acting under GAR141 (4), stewards determined to disqualify Flying Freda from the race in question, with placings to be amended accordingly, and commensurate implications to all prize money payments to apply.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
- Mr Halse’s guilty plea.
- That although this was his second prohibited substance offence for Codeine and Orapivine, it was reported on by the Chem Centre on 4 July 2024 which was after the previous matter involving Columbus Monelli was dealt with on 21 May 2024. Accordingly, he had not had opportunity to be aware of the issue or to take measures to prevent a recurrence.
- Mr Halse’s 35 years of involvement in the greyhound industry.
- That nature of the substances being Codeine and Oripavine and the likely source of the substance being from poppy seeds.
- Oripavine is a substance only produced by the Papaver species of plants and the presence in a sample is indicative of poppy seeds or poppy plant.
- The low estimated levels reported by Dr Beckett with all the substances, is consistent with a poppy seed ingestion.
- That the detection of such substances was considered to be a serious matter as such breaches of the rules had potential to bring the industry into disrepute.
- Since the notification of the irregularity, Mr Halse has taken steps to eliminate the possibility for further contamination with feeds.
- Precedence in past cases involving Codeine and Oripavine.