A greyhound trainer from Newborough, Victoria, has been disqualified for six years after a tribunal found he traveled to the Philippines to purchase performance-enhancing drugs for his dogs. The Victorian Racing Tribunal handed down the decision last month, citing multiple breaches of Greyhounds Australasia rules by 63-year-old Gerry Orr.
The tribunal’s findings followed an investigation into Orr’s greyhound re-homing practices, during which he inadvertently provided authorities with his mobile phone. This led to the discovery of incriminating messages dating back to 2019, including correspondence with a website operator known as “Anabolic Jim” and a medical center in the Philippines in 2022 and 2023.
Discovery of Prohibited Substances
According to the tribunal, the messages revealed Orr’s purchase of performance-enhancing drugs, which he claimed were for personal medical use. However, the tribunal rejected this explanation, emphasizing that the substances are permanently banned in the greyhound racing industry.
Despite the fact that Orr’s dogs never tested positive for these drugs and he was not accused of administering them, evidence from WhatsApp messages indicated his intent to acquire the substances. A veterinary expert testified that the drugs were valued at $9,000.
“The drugs, clearly in such significant quantities of epoetin and somatropin, allegedly prescribed for iron deficiency, anaemia and adult somatropin deficiency were more likely acquired for racing of dogs, not human consumption,” said Registrar Mark Howard.
Orr’s Defense and Tribunal’s Response
Orr has maintained his innocence regarding most of the charges, accusing one of the investigating stewards of malice and bias. The steward denied these allegations, though the tribunal acknowledged that parts of the investigation could have been handled more discreetly.
Orr is appealing the decision in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), with a directions hearing scheduled for late next month. He has declined to comment publicly during the appeal process.
Inquiries About Banned Substances
The tribunal heard that Orr’s inquiries into banned substances were discovered by chance. During the investigation into his re-homing practices, a senior analyst from Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) used FBI software to uncover messages between Orr and “Jim” from anabolicjim.com. Orr inquired about the effectiveness of the banned drug Stanozolol on greyhounds and its detectability in post-race urine tests.
Orr later realized he had been scammed and pleaded guilty to attempting to acquire a permanently banned substance based on these exchanges.
Implications for the Greyhound Racing Industry
Orr’s case highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining integrity within the greyhound racing industry. Greyhound Racing Victoria, which oversees and regulates the sport, has faced scrutiny from animal welfare groups. Nevertheless, its chief executive, Stuart Laing, emphasized the importance of such investigations.
“Integrity and animal welfare are non-negotiable priorities for GRV,” Laing stated.
Despite the controversy, no prohibited substances were detected in samples taken from Orr’s dogs between 2022 and 2023. The tribunal did not conclude that Orr had administered the drugs to his dogs, but the intent to use them was evident.
Future of Greyhound Racing Regulations
The case underscores the need for stringent oversight in the greyhound racing industry, balancing the sport’s integrity with animal welfare. As Orr’s appeal progresses, it may set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders will likely push for more transparent and effective regulatory measures to prevent similar breaches. The outcome of Orr’s appeal could influence future policies and enforcement strategies.
