Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) Stewards have issued charges against two more suspended persons implicated in the allegations of being involved in live baiting at the Tooradin Trial Track. The persons charged with offences contrary to the GRV Local Racing Rules and Greyhounds Australasia Rules are: Douglas Wheeler and Kyle Smale.

Stewards have charged both Mr Wheeler and Mr Smale with offences that constitute a ‘serious offence’ under the GRV Local Racing Rules (LR) and Greyhounds Australasia Rules (GAR). Due to the nature of the offences, the independent Greyhound Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB) will hear the matters. The dates for the hearings have not yet been set.

GRV Stewards have issued Mr Kyle Smale with three charges:

• Charge 1 under GAR 86(n) & LR 18.5
• Charge 2 under GAR 86(n) & GAR 86(af)
• Charge 3 under GAR 86(o)

GRV Stewards have issued Mr Douglas Wheeler with two charges:

• Charge 1 under LR 18.5
• Charge 2 under GAR86 (af)

The GRV Local Racing Rules and Greyhounds Australasia Rules that relate to the charges are extracted below.

GRV Chairman Ray Gunston said that where any person is proven to have engaged in conduct that contravenes the rules, the appropriate penalties will be sought by GRV Stewards.

“Our investigations into the alleged activities at the Tooradin Trial Track are continuing.

“If proven, the actions of these people deserve the strongest penalty possible from the independent Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.

“The behaviour that is alleged to have occurred at the Tooradin Trial Track has unfairly damaged the reputations of the good people within greyhound racing,” Mr Gunston said.

Investigations are continuing into the actions of a further eight suspended persons.

View the full release and relevant rules here