Vanderburg To Appeal Disqualification Period

HANK Vanderburg will launch an appeal after being handed a one-year disqualification for a positive swab obtained from Miss Splendamiro.

TRAINER Hank Vanderburg will launch an appeal after being handed a one-year disqualification for a positive swab obtained from former top flight race bitch Miss Splendamiro.

Vanderburg pleaded not guilty to the charge which dates all the way back to May 2018 when Miss Splendamiro returned a positive out of competition swab to banned category two substance Ipamorelin.

With the episode dating back prior to the formation of the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC), the matter was overseen by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) steward Paul Marks.

On Monday, Marks issued Vanderburg with a one-year disqualification but taking into account the significant delay in issuing a determination, declared that a one-year disqualification period – commencing August 16, 2020 – was appropriate under the circumstances.

READ THE FULL DECISION HERE

"On 31 August 2018, the original Inquiry Panel held a hearing in relation to this Inquiry," Marks said.

" At the end of the Inquiry hearing on August 31, the original Inquiry Panel indicated that the hearing would be adjourned for a short period to allow for further evidence to be obtained.

"Since 31 August 2018, the original Inquiry Panel had ceased their employment with GRNSW and unfortunately the Inquiry remained stagnant for a significant period of time.

"On 14 May 2020, I took over the Inquiry in my capacity as Steward appointed by GRNSW.

"On 25 May 2020, after a review of all material,  including a statement from Mr. Andrew Forster, former Senior investigator and the previous inquiry hearing, I wrote to Mr. Vanderburg and indicated that no further inquiry hearing would be conducted. Instead, Mr. Vanderburg was offered an opportunity to enter a plea to the charge and make written submissions.

"Following an application from Mr. Vanderburg on 6 July 2020, a further statement was obtained from Mr. William Beekman, a former Senior investigator with GRNSW.


"On 1 June 2020, Mr. Vanderburg provided a plea of not guilty to the charge against him.

"On 2 June 2020, Mr Michael Phillips, who is a part owner of Miss Splendamiro, emailed with a signed request from Mr. Vanderburg seeking that he be allowed to act as his support person for the remainder of this Inquiry. I agreed to this request.

"On 17 July 2020, the Inquiry was provided with comprehensive written submissions regarding the charge against him."

It's understood that Vanderburg's written submissions cited an array of procedural issues in relation to the swabbing process which were tabled for consideration.

Vanderburg is in the process of applying for a stay of proceedings until his appeals process is finalised.

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