Finally, the inquiry, a decision and penalties. Connections are $100,000 or so lighter in the pocket but it could have been worse with Jason Thompson receiving only a $1000 fine. I am not making any judgement one way or the other. An Australian Cup Final victory would make them feel a lot better.

El Galo Topgun disqualification
Greyhound Racing Victoria stewards today conducted an inquiry into the circumstances pertaining to the post-race urine sample taken from El Galo following the $100,000-to-the-winner Group 1 Topgun at The Meadows on October 25 last year, indicating the presence of the drug N-butylhyoscine.

After hearing the evidence, stewards charged Mr Jason Thompson with breach of GAR83(2)(3) (as operating in 2008), in that he failed to present El Galo free of any drug for an event, given that a post-race urine sample taken from the greyhound indicated the presence of the drug N-butylhyoscine.

Mr Thompson pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Stewards found Mr Thompson guilty as charged and fined him the sum of $1000.

Stewards also disqualified El Galo from first placing in this event and amended the placings as follows: 1st Regal Thyme; 2nd One Tree Hill; 3rd All Caution; 4th Mantra Lad; 5th Trew Millions; 6th Queen Lauryn; 7th Cindeen Shelby; Disq El Galo.

NB. Steward Investigation/Hearing decisions are subject to Appeal under the Rules of Greyhound Racing. [/i]