Trainer challenges NGRC drugs finding
Tom Flaherty was reprimanded and fined ÂŁ400 by the National Greyhound Racing Club Ltd, which licences tracks, trainers and owners, after its stewards inquiry in September, 2002.
It followed a random drug test on his greyhound, Knockeevan King, prior to the second round of the English Derby at Wimbledon Stadium in May that year, which proved positive for hexamine.
Knockeevan King opened in the betting at 4-5 and went off at 5-4 to win the race, but finished last out of the five contenders.
Mr Flaherty, of Lockharton Avenue, Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, wants Mr Justice Evans-Lombe to make a declaration that the NGRC findings are invalid and outside its powers.
He says that the hearing was conducted unfairly in that it failed to allow him to properly prepare or present his case, and reached a perverse decision after failing to take relevant considerations into account.
He claims he was not permitted access to the urine sample and that adequate weight was not given to the possibility that the presence of hexamine was the result of contamination.
He says that he had no motive for administering hexamine as it was not a chemical which enhanced performance, and a strong performance would have increased the dog’s stud value.
He had travelled 900 miles for the race and administering a chemical would have harmed the high standing he had acquired after 40 years in the sport.
He was also critical of the security arrangements at Wimbledon, and claims that a third party could have been involved during the three hours that the dog was out of his control at the stadium.
The contested hearing in London, which is due to last up to five days, was adjourned until today.
