OXFORD Stadium is under fire after it was found a banned substance was used in the paddock.

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) regulates licensed greyhound racing, overseeing 20 stadia across the country to ensure each race is run fairly and cleanly.

Earlier this month, GBGB published the result of a local inquiry in its fortnightly calendar.

The notice read: “At a local inquiry held by the area stipendiary steward on January 23, 2023, professional greyhound trainer Mr F Gray was cautioned for a breach of Rules 117 and 152 in respect of using electrolytes in the paddock at Oxford Stadium on October 1, 2022, after a trial without consulting with the veterinary surgeon on duty.”

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The GBGB Rules of Racing set the standards for greyhound welfare and ensure the sport is fair and safe.

Rule 117 states: “Each greyhound shall be taken back to the racing paddock after any race or trial, and shall be locked back into their kennel and kept under the surveillance of a paddock steward or veterinary surgeon, and not given access to any substance other than uncontaminated water until the authority of the local stewards has been obtained by the paddock steward and a minimum period of 15 minutes has elapsed.”

Rule 152 relates to how a breach of rules is committed.

At the end of October, Oxford Stadium’s racing manager Kiaran O’Brien left his position at Sandy Lane, with details of his exit uncertain.

At the time, the Oxford Mail understood that the stadium and O’Brien were resolving the issue between themselves.

When contacted for a comment on the result of the GBGB inquiry, O’Brien said: “I am pleased the matter has been investigated by the GBGB.

“As a racing manager, I do not make the rules, I just enforce and apply them.

“In this instance, my own integrity was put under severe pressure to turn a blind eye, which I refused to do.

“I will not and would not ever jeopardise the welfare of greyhounds or the integrity of a sport I am very passionate about.”

O’Brien was hired in May ahead of greyhound racing returning to Oxford in September.

He oversaw all aspects of the Cowley venue’s racing office, which reopened almost a decade after the stadium hosted its last race in December 2012.

O’Brien was responsible for operating race nights at Sandy Lane, in line with the GBGB’s rules and regulations.

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An Oxford Stadium spokesperson said: “After raising concerns a substance not permitted in the kennelling facility was present, Mr O’Brien was authorised to test any greyhounds in question which led to the GBGB’s investigation.

“This procedure was followed to comply with our commitment to operating fixtures within the GBGB’s Rules of Racing.

“Oxford Stadium would like to stress it is not uncommon for some racing greyhounds and other working breeds to consume electrolytes, particularly during the summer months.

“They are used in small doses and assist with the prevention of dehydration and cramping caused by panting from either daily exercise, galloping or racing.

“These products are entirely legal outside of our kennelling facility and in no way cause harm to racing greyhounds.”