Racing WA

Greyhound stewards’ inquiry – Trainer Kellie Buckwell (West On Halo)

11 September 2024

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.