In response to a series of articles written by journalist Natalie O’Brien in the 12 August 2012 edition of the Sun-Herald, GRNSW referred, on an urgent basis, specific allegations concerning swabbing to Greyhound Racing Integrity Auditor Graham Gorrie.

GRNSW has today provided a report to George Souris, NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing.

The report to the Minister included the following key points:

• An independent review by Greyhound Racing Integrity Auditor Graham Gorrie has found no evidence to support Ms O’Brien’s claim that samples have gone missing. All swabs have been recorded and tracked;

• Mr Gorrie has also reported that there is no evidence to support allegations made by Carly Absalom and Dr Ted Humphries that GRNSW’s current policy favours “high-profile” trainers. Of the top 10 trainers in terms of winners, the majority had a higher swabs to starters ratio than the state-wide industry in 2011, with the two below the average competing predominantly at Non-TAB meetings;

• GRNSW Integrity Officers have spoken to Bemboka greyhound owner David Allen who was quoted in the Sun-Herald as having concerns about race-fixing and money-laundering. It has emerged from these discussions that all of Mr Allen’s allegations about race fixing relate to races conducted outside of New South Wales and therefore outside of GRNSW’s jurisdiction. GRNSW has referred those matters to the jurisdiction concerned. Further, Mr Allen has told GRNSW officials that he never made any accusation relating to money laundering to the Sun-Herald despite being quoted otherwise in the article;

• Since the publication of the articles in the Sun-Herald, no evidence has been provided by external regulatory agencies or the general public supporting allegations about an alleged infiltration of bikie groups in greyhound racing in NSW;

• GRNSW has made contact with Dr Humphries and Dr Rob Zammit, who were both quoted by the Sun-Herald, to seek more information on the concerns that they raised in the newspaper about the regulation of the sport.

GRNSW Chairman Eve McGregor acknowledged receipt of Mr Gorrie’s report and said GRNSW would continue to properly investigate any future allegations made regarding the integrity of greyhound racing.

“GRNSW takes the allegations by the Sun-Herald very seriously, but no evidence has been provided to support any of the claims made to reflect existing or endemic problems within the sport today,” Ms McGregor said

“GRNSW is dedicated to ensuring greyhound racing is devoid of corruption as it is central to the sport’s success in NSW.”

GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan said GRNSW would continue to review its policies and introduce new schemes to ensure its integrity services are at the forefront of the wagering industry.

“While there is no evidence to suggest that criminal activity involving greyhound racing or its registered participants is occurring, GRNSW encourages any members of the public who may have information to get in contact with GRNSW’s integrity department or the NSW Police,” Mr Hogan said.

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