Victorian greyhound trainer avoids ban after dog tests positive for cocaine

The Story

A veteran greyhound trainer whose dog was found with cocaine in its system before a 2024 race has avoided a temporary ban, despite the industry regulator seeking one. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on Thursday rejected an appeal by Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) for a harsher penalty, upholding the previous decision to fine Geoffrey Dalton $300 with a wholly suspended disqualification. The case comes as the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds reported that 30 greyhounds have died in or after Victorian races in 2026, the highest number in Australia.

Key Facts

• Geoffrey Dalton was fined $300 after his dog Soda Apache tested positive for cocaine before a race at the Meadows in Melbourne on 6 March 2024.
• The Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) in February 2025 issued a nine-month disqualification which was wholly suspended, meaning Dalton remained active in the industry.
• GRV appealed to VCAT arguing the suspended disqualification was inadequate, but VCAT rejected the appeal, partly because Dalton had let his trainer registration lapse on 30 June 2025.
• VCAT member Daniel Slater said Dalton had suffered reputational damage as he could no longer claim an unblemished 40-year career.
• Dalton pleaded guilty to failing to present a greyhound free of a prohibited substance and failing to keep treatment records.
• He told VRT he had no knowledge of how the dog was exposed; a part-owner transported the dog in a van that may have been contaminated with cocaine.
• The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds released data showing 30 greyhounds have died in or after Victorian races this year, with seven deaths in May alone.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

The exact source of the cocaine contamination in the van used to transport Soda Apache is not specified in the article.

Misconceptions

No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.

Key Figures

• Geoffrey Dalton (veteran greyhound trainer)
• Daniel Slater (VCAT member)
• Shane O’Connell (GRV integrity and welfare manager)
• Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (animal welfare group)
• Soda Apache (the greyhound)

Sources: The Guardian