Racing WA stewards have concluded an inquiry into reports from ChemCentre (Perth) and Racing Science Centre (Qld) that gabapentin was detected in a sample taken from West On Halo, trained by Kellie Buckwell, following it competing in and winning Race 2 at Cannington on 10 April 2024.
After hearing evidence from ChemCentre representative Ms Cook and Racing WA Regulatory Veterinarian Dr McMullen, Mrs Buckwell was found guilty to a charge issued under Greyhound Rule of Racing 141 (1) (a).
The particulars being: - that Mrs Buckwell, as the trainer and a registered person with Racing WA, presented West On Halo to compete in Race 2 at Greyhounds WA Cannington on 10 April 2024 not free of the prohibited substance gabapentin.
After hearing submissions on penalty, stewards determined the appropriate penalty to be a fine of $6000.
Further, acting under rule 141 (4), stewards determined to disqualify West On Halo from the race in question with commensurate implications to placings, with return and re-issue of stake money to apply.
When determining penalty, stewards considered, among other things:
- Mrs Buckwell’s personal circumstances and that this was her first prohibited substance offence.
- That Mrs Buckwell had been licensed for approximately seven years as a trainer.
- The nature and properties of the prohibited substance detected, namely that gabapentin is a therapeutic agent prescribed to dogs.
- The intent and purpose of the Rule, which was directed to ensuring a level playing field and maintaining the necessary confidence of those supporting or involved in the racing industry.
- Precedence in past cases involving substances of a therapeutic nature.