Trainers protest Greaves’ fine, ban

LOCAL racehorse trainers are protesting the inconsistency in the fine and ban imposed on Neale “Speedy” Greaves.

And the Trinidad and Tobago Racehorse Trainer Association have written the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority about their concerns, through president Shaffique Khan. Greaves was fined $500 and suspended for six months, after his charge Panama Belle was found positive for a Class four drug. He has also been debarred from entering the racing compound during his period of disqualification. The TTRTA are calling for  a meeting with the TTRA to discuss the matter. They claim the suspension handed to Greaves raised many eyebrows among their members.

In a letter to TTRA chairman Joseph Hadeed yesterday, the trainers indicated that at their meeting members unanimously agreed the ruling lacked consistency. The trainers claimed that the Rules of Racing and threshold levels of drugs were established, not to defeat the system but to level the playing field. They further stated, “in your most recent ‘judgements’ a senior trainer, who  had consecutive positive results was not treated according to the established rules.” The trainers said they understand the TTRA had the leeway under the rules to bypass stipulations, but “we do not think you are sending the right signals.”

Copies of the trainers’ letter were sent to the Arima Race Club, Racehorse Owners Association and Jockeys Association. And they claim, trainers will now be tempted to go for the jugular and throw caution to the wind. The trainers are calling on the TTRA to show leniency to Greaves, and are asking that he be allowed to attend races during his six-month ban. The TTRTA, have also asked for a meeting with the TTRA to iron out inconsistencies in judgements with regards to the use of medicication. They are also lobbying for a trainers’ representative to sit in at all hearings for which positive tests are being decided, stating that the mere idea of  having a member on  the panel would prevent the perception of “Cowboy Trials” at these hearings.