Author Topic: Victorian Racing Tribunal (Read 25419 times)

Arsenal · O.P. « 2019-Aug-23, 08:18 PM »

The first decision of the VRT is available within days of the hearing on 19 th August media release on the decision dated 23 August no delay in decision making.

"DECISION
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
and
MR MATTHEW CRAVEN

Date of hearing:      19 August 2019
Panel:   Judge John Bowman (Chairperson), Magistrate John Doherty (Deputy Chairperson) and Mr. Robert Abrahams
Appearances:    Mr Nicholas Murray and Mr Neale Conder appeared on behalf of the Stewards.
            Mr Damien Sheales appeared on behalf of Mr Craven.
            Mr Matthew Craven appeared as a witness.

Charge:    Australian Harness Racing Rule 149 (2) states “A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the stewards is unacceptable”.

Particulars of charge:   The particulars of the charge being after driving forward from barrier 5 from the start on Bou Chard and after initially being obliged to race three wide to the outside of Goodtime Junior (Jackie Barker) and Huli Nien (Greg Sugars) into the first turn, Mr Craven then continued to persevere in obtaining the lead until near the 1200m which resulted in an exceptionally fast first quarter of 26.3 seconds being recorded. Thereafter, Mr Craven allowed Bou Chard to stride whilst in the lead, which resulted in the first half of the last mile being recorded in 55.6 seconds. In the opinion of the Stewards, the driving tactics employed by Mr Craven during the early and middle stages of the event were unacceptable and was the main contributing factor in Bou Chard being placed under pressure from the 400m and giving ground to be beaten into last position approximately 47 metres from the eventual winner.

Plea:             Not guilty

DECISION   Having viewed the video of the race and having heard the evidence of Mr. Craven and the submissions on behalf of the parties, the tribunal found Mr. Craven guilty of the charge. In particular, it found the driving tactics of Mr. Craven in failing to give the horse a "breather" after a long and hard battle to get to the front were unacceptable. Bearing in mind Mr. Craven's very good record and the impact of a suspension upon him at this particular time, the Tribunal set aside the period of suspension that had been imposed and ordered that he be fined $2,500.

Mark Howard
Registrar, Victorian Racing Tribunal"

ENDS

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Sep-05, 09:34 AM **Reply #1** »

DECISION
GREYHOUND RACING VICTORIA
and
MR DAVID GRAHAM

Date of hearing:      29 August 2019
Panel:   Judge John Bowman (Chairperson) and Ms Julie Nicholson.
Appearances:    Mr Paul Searle appeared on behalf of the Stewards.
            Mr David Graham (Owner) represented himself at the hearing.

Particulars of charge:   (Stewards report) An Exhibition Trial was conducted by Dusty’s Charlie at Healesville on Sunday 11 August 2019 in the lead up to the National Straight Track Championship on 18 August 2019.
After considering the circumstances surrounding the conduct and nature of the trial, the matter was referred by the Chief Steward to the Healesville Stewards Panel to officially open and hold an inquiry into the performance of Dusty’s Charlie in the trial, with specific regard to Local Rule 39.
39 Trials between Events
39.1 The Board may at any time permit greyhounds to run in a trial in between Events at a Meeting.
39.2 Without limiting LR 39.1 (Vic), any greyhound which runs in a trial in between Events at a Meeting shall be subject to the Rules as if the greyhound was running in an Event. It was found that, in the trial, Dusty’s Charlie failed to pursue the lure as required by Rule 69B.

Plea:             Not Guilty

DECISION

There is a preliminary question of law in relation to this appeal. Pursuant to section 50X of the
Racing Act 1958 “A question of law arising in a hearing must be decided by the Chairperson or
Deputy Chairperson”. Accordingly, I am Ruling upon it.

The appeal concerns a charge essentially pursuant to LRR Rules 39 (1) and (2). On 11 August 2019 at Healesville a meeting was conducted. Before Race 1 the dog Dusty’s Charlie of which Mr. Graham is the owner, trialled in preparation for the National Straight Track Championships. Without going into details, it did not trial satisfactorily. Again without going through the intervening steps, ultimately a penalty was imposed resulting in the dog being stood down from racing for 3 days and no future nominations would be accepted until Dusty’s Charlie performed a satisfactory trial. The papers were marked accordingly.

It is from this decision that Mr. Graham appeals. Local Rule 39 (1) and (2) provides that greyhounds can run in trials between Events at a meeting and any greyhound which runs in a trial between Events at a meeting shall be subject to the Rules as if the greyhound was running in an Event.

There is no argument but in this case the relevant trial was not run between Events at a meeting. Dusty’s Charlie trialled before the first Event. The Rule is quite clear. It applies to trials between Events at a Meeting. Whatever the purpose of the Rule, that is what it specifically provides.

In the present case the Stewards, for reasons that may have seemed to be adequate, had Dusty’s Charlie trial not between Events at a meeting but before the meeting had started – that is before the First Event. That took it outside the specific wording of the Rule. Whatever occurred, it was not a Trial between Events and therefore not in accordance with the Rules. The Rules are not vague or ambiguous. They are specific.

What then is the effect of this? In my opinion, it means that the behaviour of Dusty’s Charlie did not take place in a trial for the purpose of Local Rule 39 (1) or (2).

I appreciate that the Stewards acted in good faith and for reasons that seemed sound. However, by not having the trial between events, what occurred simply did not fall within the requirements of the Rule.

Amongst other things and without wishing to be too legal, the Latin term of [expressio unius est exclusio alterius] applies – when a thing of a class is expressly mentioned, others of the same class are excluded.

A trial between Events falls within LR 39 (1) and (2). Other trials do not and are excluded.

In my opinion the situation is not saved by rule 20, and particularly as argued by Rule 20 (3)(v). It allows the Stewards to determine any matter that arises but is not provided for by the Rules. However, what should have occurred here is simple and is provided for by the Rules – relevant trials should be run between Events. I also note that Rule 20 specifically applies to Race meetings, not necessarily to trials.

Nor does the [Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984] save the day. The Rule in relation to the relevant trials is clear. They are trials run between Events. This one wasn’t. There is no need to turn to the [Interpretation of Legislation Act].

Similarly, the NSW decisions do not persuade me to alter my view. It is not a situation of ambiguity or vagueness needing a common sense interpretation. Rule 39 (1) and (2) are perfectly clear. They apply to trials between Events at the meeting.

Accordingly, my finding is that the Trial involving Dusty’s Charlie on 11 August 2019 was not a trial conducted in accordance with LR 39 (1) and (2).

The appeal is therefore upheld and the penalty is set aside.

Mark Howard
Registrar, Victorian Racing Tribunal

ENDS

This is what is missing in QLD quick decision making no long delays in stays of proceedings licensees time out expires before a decision on penalty is made so effectively no penalty apart from a little black mark on the report card.

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Sep-05, 07:03 PM **Reply #2** »

https://www.racing.com/news/2019-09-03/news-test-looms-for-new-tribunal
Test looms for new tribunal

Andrew Eddy@fastisheddy
3 September, 2019

James McNamara says he intends walking away from the racing industry, but Victorian racing’s new judicial system means the Koroit hobby trainer might not find it so easy to simply cut his connection with horse racing.
McNamara claimed he will throw away his trainers licence and turn his back on the industry on Monday after he was charged with not permitting one of his horses Hornets' Nest from running on its merits in a hurdle at Casterton in late June.
These charges will be heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) on a date still to be fixed and McNamara could yet be forced to appear to answer questions.
One of the biggest differences between the new judicial body and the old – the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board – the VRT has the power to compel witnesses to appear if so desired.
The RAD Board had no such power as seen only last year with former trainer Robert Smerdon, who refused to attend his RAD Board hearing after handing in his trainer’s licence despite having numerous serious charges against him.
He was eventually banned for life for his role in the Aquanita scandal, but his absence from that hearing and subsequent appeals left a bad taste for many in the industry.
WATCH: Hornets' Nest at Casterton
On Monday, Racing Victoria issued charges against McNamara and jockey Paul Hamblin for not allowing the then 11-year-old Hornets' Nest every opportunity to win the Casterton race.
The stewards alleged Hamblin's riding of Hornets' Nest was contrary to rules in that he failed between approximately the 1200-metre mark and the 800-metre mark to improve his position and maintain contact with the field.
It was also alleged that between approximately the 800-metre mark and jumping the last obstacle, Hamblin did not ride his mount with sufficient vigor to improve their position.
The stewards also allege that McNamara's instructions to Hamblin prior to the race contributed to Hamblin's breach of the rules.
Hornets' Nest, who is now a 12-year-old so is in his final season of racing, has won nine races from 45 starts, including his maiden hurdle in 2014 by 18 lengths.
Nearly six years ago to the day, he contested the Group 2 Dato Tan Chin Nam (Feehan) Stakes, finishing less than three lengths behind the winner Fiorente, who went on to win the Melbourne Cup later that spring.

Crikey why would they pull it up it's 11yo?

Giddy Up

nemisis · « 2019-Sep-05, 10:00 PM **Reply #3** »

I've been a real Hornet's Nest fan but it has to be said they really over did the 'just having a run" at Casterton.......$11 out to $21 would suggest a few people knew something.

He is only a little fellow and was carrying 74 kgs in the $30k Hurdle at Casterton and no doubt the connections were eyeing the Kevin Lafferty`worth $100k the week after in which he carried 64.5 kgs.

They probably didn't want him to be hammered out or risk getting some more weight for the target race but Hornet's Nest generally races up on the pace.

You can't help having some sympathy for James McNamara all the same because there are plenty of horses from the big stables having "a run" every week and there seems to be some acceptance of that by stewards.......must have overdone it.

Arsenal · « 2019-Sep-11, 07:29 PM **Reply #4** »

Another set of decisions all three codes included.......most didn't end well for the appellants.....this is the exception as well as the most interesting the case of Ms Hanna Powell whose horse Kissee Mee returned 2 positives due to eating grass contaminated by sewage which contained the prohibited substance from medication used by the trainer's husband.

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0009/1860822/VRT-Decision-Gerry-Orr-Appeal-29-August-2019-FINAL.docx

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0010/1860823/VRT-Decision-Hanna-Powell-Appeal-30-August-2019.docx
There is no argument but that Kissee Mee’s contact with the prohibited substance came as a result of eating grass in the area of a septic tank and where there was a sewage overflow. Your husband had regularly taken anti-depressant medication, which contains the prohibited substance. No other cause of the positive return has been suggested by the Stewards and we accept that all of these factors combined to form what Mr Nicholl, on your behalf, called a perfect storm. We accept that you were extremely unlucky and that there was no intention to give the horse any prohibited substance or to try and gain any unfair advantage. As soon as you found out about the positive return, you scratched the horse from its next engagement.
This is a rare case that the Stewards and yourself, with the assistance of Mr Nicholl, all agreed upon the appropriate penalty. That penalty is that a conviction be recorded but with no other penalty imposed.
We agree. We also point out that you will be hit with a substantial penalty by reason of the inevitable disqualification of Kissee Mee from both races. You are the 100% owner of her. This will cost you in excess of $20,000 and spoil what has been one of your most successful years.
In conclusion, we find the charge proven. A conviction, relating to both races, will be recorded, but no other penalty imposed.
Pursuant to AR 177, Kissee Mee is disqualified as the winner of race 4, the Bet365 Racing Cashback 0-58 Handicap at Kyneton on 2 November 2018 and the places amended accordingly.Kissee Mee is also disqualified as the winner of Race 6, the RMBL Investments Handicap at Kyneton on 6 December 2018 and the places amended accordingly.

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0007/1860901/VRT-Decision-Matthew-Horsnell-Appeal-2-September-2019-Final.docx

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0007/1860982/VRT-Decision-Monique-Burnett-Appeal-2-September-2019-Final.docx

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0009/1860984/VRT-Decision-Tony-Xiriha-Appeal-2-September-2019-Final.docx

Giddy Up

Peter Mair · « 2019-Sep-11, 08:07 PM **Reply #5** »

Technology decisions -- racing past the 'post 'of insanity

Decisions on race outcomes, that could be declared 'dead heats' -- and would have been a few years ago -- are now declared with digital technology 'evidence' ... 'showing' a margin not evident to a human eye.

Most of us will cop that 'on the chin' and move on -- akin to a penalty shootout deciding a soccer match.

The boundary of commonsense is being crossed in decisions on 'positive swabs' -- not repeating the stupidity of the 'charge' in this 'on the eaten grass' matter, I recall another.

A leading Sydney trainer was charged with a 'herion' reading tracked to a stable hand 'handling' a contaminated door knob at a local hotel and then 'not washing his hands' before dealing with the horse.

I was at the appeal hearing ............... I asked the 'chief tester' -- 'how high was the reading?' .... 'not enough to fit on the head of a pin' ....... why prosecute? ........ that's the rules!

A substantial fine was 'set aside' but the 'presentation' offense was confirmed.

....... I stopped attending appeal hearings.

napes · « 2019-Sep-12, 10:26 AM **Reply #6** »

That would have been a relief for all involved!!

wily ole dog · « 2019-Sep-12, 04:59 PM **Reply #7** »

Napes, can you imagine sitting in the same room as the bloke

Peter Mair · « 2019-Sep-12, 07:23 PM **Reply #8** »

............... thanks boys ....... embryonic signs of an alliance ....... uniting to endorse my views is most welcome.

Arsenal · « 2019-Sep-30, 04:21 PM **Reply #9** »

DECISION
GREYHOUND RACING VICTORIA
and
MR LAURIE MALLIA

Date of hearing:      25 September 2019
Panel:   Judge John Bowman (Chairperson), Justice Shane Marshall (Deputy chairperson) and Ms Heidi Keighran.
Appearances:    Mr Marwan El-Asmar appeared on behalf of the Stewards.
Mr Laurie Mallia represented himself at the hearing.

Charge:    Greyhounds Australasia Rule 83 (1A) states:
A person who-
(a) administers, attempts to administer or causes to be administered a prohibited substance to a greyhound;
(b) aids, abets, counsels or procures any person to administer a prohibited substance to a greyhound; or
(c) has prior knowledge of a prohibited substance being administered to a greyhound which is detected in any sample taken from such greyhound that has been presented for an Event or when subject to any other contingency provided for pursuant to these Rules, shall be guilty of an offence.

Greyhounds Australasia Rule 83 (2) states:
The owner, trainer or person in charge of a greyhound-
(a)   nominated to compete in an Event;
(b)   presented for a satisfactory, weight or whelping trial or such other trial as provided for pursuant to these Rules; or
(c)   presented for any test or examination for the purpose of a period of incapacitation or prohibition being varied or revoked
shall present the greyhound free of any prohibited substance.

Particulars of charges:   Charge 1 On the 6 May 2019 at the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club, Mr Mallia administered, or caused to be administered, to ‘Dyna Diedre’, a prohibited substance, being cobalt, which was detected in a sample taken from ‘Dyna Diedre’ in that:
(a)   You administered products containing cobalt, namely Rapidvite Amino Cal Plus and Feramo D, to ‘Dyna Diedre’ on 5 May 2019;
(b)   A pre-race sample of urine was taken from ‘Dyna Diedre’ at the event (the sample);
(c)   Cobalt was detected in the sample at a mass concentration of greater than 100 nanograms per millilitre; and
(d)   The mass concentration of cobalt detected in the sample could only be caused by the administration of cobalt.

Charge 2 On 6 May 2019, you presented ‘Dyna Diedre’ at the Event not free of any prohibited substance, given that:
(a)   A pre-race sample of urine was taken from ‘Dyna Diedre’ at the Event (the Sample); and
(b)   Cobalt was detected in the Sample at a mass concentration of greater than 100 nanograms per millilitre.

Plea:             Guilty to both charges

DECISION

1.   Mr Laurie Mallia is a registered greyhound trainer and the trainer of the greyhound ‘Dyna Diedre’. Dyna Diedre competed in race 12 at Ballarat on 6 May 2019. A pre-race urine sample taken from the greyhound detected cobalt at a mass concentration of greater than 100 nanograms per millilitre. The level was 130 ng/ml.

2.   Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) have charged Mr Mallia under Greyhounds Australasia Rule (GAR) 83(1A) with administering a prohibited substance to a greyhound that has been presented for an event, being a prohibited substance which is detected in a sample taken from a greyhound. There is also a charge under GAR 83(2) of presenting a greyhound for an event while not being free of a prohibited substance.

3.   Mr Mallia has pleaded guilty to each charge. The Tribunal finds the charges proven. It will fix an appropriate penalty on the more serious administration charge and impose no extra penalty on the presentation charge which arises out of the same substratum of facts.

4.   Cobalt is a prohibited substance when it is present in a sample at greater than 100 nanograms per millilitre. That is the combined effect of GAR 83(10) and the definition of prohibited substance in GAR 83(1).

5.   Mr Mallia is a small hobby trainer. For a 2 year period from 2015 to 2017 he was relatively inactive. That was the time in which the cobalt threshold was introduced into the GAR’s and when GRV generated much publicity about cobalt being contained in some feed substances. The history of the introduction of GAR 83(1) and the accompanying publicity is documented in a decision of the GRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (“the Board”) in the matter of Crawford on 12 July 2016.

6.   Mr Mallia was not aware that Amino Cal Plus and Feramo D, which he fed to his greyhounds, contained cobalt. He now knows and has ceased feeding substances containing cobalt to his dogs.

7.   In assessing penalty the Tribunal takes into account general deterrence and the importance of upholding the integrity of the industry by providing drug free racing. The Tribunal also takes into account penalties in recent like cases handed down by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board. The Tribunal further takes into account Mr Mallia’s guilty plea, his remorse, co-operation with the Stewards and good record in over 30 years of training. In all the circumstances we impose a period of 12 months suspension but suspend 10 months of that period, pending no further breach of GAR 83 in the next 12 months. The suspension shall commence immediately.

Mark Howard
Registrar, Victorian Racing Tribunal

ENDS

Cobalt again but not a long stretch if he behaves hisself only out for two months.

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Oct-02, 08:10 PM **Reply #10** »

DECISION
GREYHOUND RACING VICTORIA
and
MR JOHN RENNIE

Date of hearing:      1 October 2019
Panel:   Judge John Bowman (Chairperson), Magistrate John Doherty and Ms. Maree Payne.
Appearances:    Mr Andrew Cusumano appeared on behalf of the Stewards.
Mr John Rennie represented himself via telephone.

Charge:    Greyhounds Australasia Rule 83 (2) states:
The owner, trainer or person in charge of a greyhound-
(a)   nominated to compete in an Event;
(b)   presented for a satisfactory, weight or whelping trial or such other trial as provided for pursuant to these Rules; or
(c)   presented for any test or examination for the purpose of a period of incapacitation or prohibition being varied or revoked
shall present the greyhound free of any prohibited substance.

Particulars of charges:   On 26 February 2019, you presented ‘Leeroy Rox’ at the Event not free of any prohibited substance, given that:
(a)   A pre-race sample of urine was taken from ‘Leeroy Rox’ at the Event (the Sample); and
(b)   Metformin was detected in the Sample.

Plea:             Guilty

DECISION

Mr John Rennie, you have pleaded “guilty” to a breach of GAR 83(2). Such a breach is classified as a serious offence. This is a presentation case. The charge is that a pre-race urine sample taken from Leeroy Rox, owned and trained by you, before race 5 at Geelong on 26 February 2019 proved positive to Metformin. Leeroy Rox ran last starting at $26.
We have taken into account what has been said by the Stewards and what you have told us. We accept as did the Stewards, that this was a case of accidental contamination resulting from you having handled your diabetes medication before touching your dog. Metformin is contained in the medication and is capable of affecting the performance of a dog in a negative way. Great care must be taken in handling medication before handling a dog which is going to race. General deterrence, the importance of a level playing field, and a drug free industry, are very important considerations.

As stated, we accept that this was totally accidental.

You are a hobby trainer, licenced since 2015, currently with no dogs. You are about to turn 80. Having lived in Port Stephens, you moved back to Victoria after your wife sadly passed away. You have stated that the dogs keep you going.

You now live at Beeac, some distance from Colac. You live on your own in a house that you have. You have no income other than the pension. You have no other assets, apart from having a couple of dogs. Doubtless they have been a great interest for you. You have no relevant prior convictions and obviously live a very modest lifestyle at Beeac.

Given your very good record, the circumstances in which the offence occurred and particularly bearing in mind your obviously very limited financial circumstances, we are of the view that a modest financial penalty is appropriate. Bearing in mind your particularly limited financial circumstances, we are of the view that a fine of $250 is appropriate. We also disqualify Leeroy Rox from race 5 at Geelong on 26 February 2019.
Mark Howard
Registrar, Victorian Racing Tribunal

ENDS

A reasonable result accidental contamination.

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Oct-15, 05:28 PM **Reply #11** »

Several more decisions from the VRT published including jockeys Brad Rawiller and Luke Currie the former received the benefit of a one day reduction in penalty due to his exceptional record Currie not so lucky out for the full time......harness racing licensees plus some from the dishlickers all dealt with expeditiously.

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Oct-17, 08:00 PM **Reply #12** »

Stan Tsaikos overweight 1kg his ride beaten a nose out for 15 instead of 18 apparently he is a serial offender .

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

Jamie Kah overweight fined $1000 by stewards

https://www.racing.com/news/2019-10-16/news-jockey-overweight-in-feature-race

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Oct-23, 06:21 PM **Reply #13** »

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

Paul Hamblin failed to give Hornet’s Nest the best possible chance AR 129 (4) guilty and given 4 weeks on the sideline to contemplate his error.....and James McNamara the trainer found not to be a party to the offence but guilty of abusing the stewards $500 lighter..interesting decision clearly the horse was just having a run.
DECISION
RACING VICTORIA
and
MR JAMES McNAMARA

Date of hearing:      21 October 2019
Panel:   Judge John Bowman (Chairperson), Magistrate John Doherty and Mr Greg Childs
Appearances:    Mr Justin Hooper instructed by Ms Charlotte Landy appeared on behalf of the Stewards.
Mr James McNamara represented himself.

Witnesses:   Mr Craig Durden appeared as a witness.
   Mr Wade Hadley appeared as a witness.
   Mr Paul Hamblin appeared as a witness.

Charges:    Charge 1 AR 129 (4) A rider must take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that the rider's horse is given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field. If, in the opinion of the Stewards, this rule has been breached: any person who was a party to the breach may also be penalised. (a) any person who was a party to the breach may be penalised.

   Charge 2 LR 84A A person must not, at any time or for any purpose: (a) engage in any form of intimidation or abusive conduct (either physical, verbal or otherwise), in any way related to racing, of: (i) any Steward, official or employee or officer of Racing Victoria.

Particulars of the charges:   Charge 1
1.   You are, and were at all relevant times, a trainer licensed by Racing Victoria and the trainer of Hornets’ Nest.
2.   You engaged Paul Hamblin to ride Hornets’ Nest in race 2, the Davis Blinds BM120 Hurdle over 3480 metres at Casterton.
3.   Prior to the race, you provided Paul Hamblin with riding instructions for the race.
4.   Paul Hamblin’s riding of the horse in the race was contrary to AR 129 (2) on the following basis:
4.1   Between approximately the 1200m and the 800m marks of the race Mr Hamblin failed to improve his position and maintain contact with the body of the field in circumstances where it was reasonable and permissible for you to do so; and
4.2   Between approximately the 800m mark of the race and jumping the last obstacle of the race Mr Hamblin failed to ride his mount with sufficient vigour to improve your position in circumstances where it was reasonable and permissible for you to do so.
5.   Hornets’ Nest placed fourth of seven starters in the race and was beaten by approximately ten lengths.
6.   Paul Hamblin rode Hornets’ Nest in the race in accordance with your instructions.
7.   Your instructions caused and/or contributed to Paul Hamblin’s conduct as set out in particulars (a) and (b) above, you were a party to Paul Hamblin’s breach of AR 129 (2).
8.   Your conduct, as set out above was in breach of AR 129 (4).

Charge 2
1.   You are, and were at all relevant times, a trainer licensed by Racing Victoria.
2.   On 2 September 2019, Stipendiary Steward Sam Cochrane called you and asked you to call him back. Later that day, you telephoned Mr Cochrane (the Call).
3.   During the Call, Mr Cochrane informed you that the Stewards were issuing a charge against you with respect to Hornets’ Nest’s race at Casterton on 29 June 2019, when you then engaged in verbally abusive conduct towards him.
4.   Your conduct, as set out above, was in breach of LR 94A(a)(i).

Plea:             Not Guilty

DECISION

Mr James McNamara, you are the trainer of Hornets’ Nest. You are charged with a breach of AR129(4). You have pleaded “Not Guilty” to the charge. By reason of AR129(4) the additional allegation against you in that, in the opinion of the Stewards, you were a party to the breach of AR129(2). That is based upon the riding instructions allegedly provided to Mr Hamblin prior to the race. It is alleged that Mr Hamblin rode Hornets’ Nest in accordance with your instructions which caused or contributed to his breach of AR 129 (2). As stated, you pleaded “Not Guilty” but opted to give no evidence.

We are troubled by this charge and the evidence supporting it. True it is that, when interviewed by the Stewards on the day, you referred to the races as being “a paid trial” and that you told Mr Hamblin not to pull the whip on it. You told him not to knock the horse about. However, your evidence on the day was that your instruction went on “If he is in a position to win, you go for it, absolutely go for it” You said that you told Mr Hamblin to jump him out, but if they go too hard, “just sit in behind them” don’t break his neck. “He’s got 12 stone on his back”

You claimed you also said that “If you’re in a position to win, yeah you win”.

Instructions are the key to this charge. We are not comfortably satisfied, applying the Briginshaw test, that your instructions to Mr Hamblin resulted in a breach of AR129 (2). Certainly, he did not knock the horse about, but we are not comfortably satisfied that you were a party to the beach of AR129(2). The charge is dismissed.

Charge LR94A

Certainly, the Stewards should not be abused in this fashion, it was over the phone, it doesn’t appear to have been seriously threatening, as I say the Steward should not have to put up with this kind of behaviour and it is appropriate that Mr McNamara is fined and we fix that fine at $500.

Mark Howard
Registrar, Victorian Racing Tribunal

ENDS

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Oct-24, 07:20 PM **Reply #14** »

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

Greyhound found guilty of failing to chase appeal dismissed.

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Oct-30, 09:15 PM **Reply #15** »

Another two decisions from the VRT no delays here.......the first case involves a licensee Andrew Henderson trying to rehome retired racehorses but failing to provide proper veterinary attention due to his financial circumstances "bit off more than he could chew" although obviously well intentioned he was treated compassionately by the Tribunal no more horses on the property and suspended his license ........Ben Melham 8 meetings suspension confirmed.

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0010/1868599/VRT-Decision-Andrew-Henderson-25-October-2019.docx

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0011/1868600/VRT-Decision-Ben-Melham-29-October-2019-Final.docx

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Oct-31, 06:21 PM **Reply #16** »

Another dishlicker found guilty of failing to chase and suspended for 3 months appeal against the decision dismissed .

Acting under the provisions of GAR 69(A)(1) Zipping Storm was charged with failing to pursue the lure with due commitment. Mr Pieter Smoor pleaded not guilty to the charge, Zipping Storm was found guilty and suspended for 3 months at all tracks and must perform a Satisfactory Trial (all tracks), pursuant to GAR 69(A)(2)(b) before any future nomination will be accepted.

Giddy Up

Arsenal · « 2019-Nov-11, 07:07 PM **Reply #17** »

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

Matthew Walker DQ indefinite period ....his offence failure to attend stewards inquiry.

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Arsenal · « 2019-Nov-12, 06:19 PM **Reply #18** »

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

Damien Oliver out for 9 meetings causing interference his appeal dismissed plus two dish licker cases also dismissed one a fine of $1250 with $1K suspended the other unsatisfactory performance.

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Arsenal · « 2019-Nov-21, 06:29 PM **Reply #19** »

Samuel Payne suspended for 4 weeks for "unprofessional behaviour" my term in assisting another jockey to break the rules.....click on the VRT link to view the decision .

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Arsenal · « 2019-Dec-13, 12:23 PM **Reply #20** »

Large number of RAT decisions in the link below ...several positives in greyhounds due to feeding knackery meat against the recommendations of the GRCB one case of live baiting appeal against stewards decision to impose immediate suspension refused a number of other cases one in harness racing of failing to give the horse every opportunity decided in favour of the applicant..

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

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Arsenal · « 2019-Dec-18, 11:05 PM **Reply #21** »

https://www.racingvictoria.com.au/integrity/rad-board/-/media/f610c5e1b31e45dfa993d48860158f43.ashx
Simon Beasley Bookie suspended and fined

https://www.racingvictoria.com.au/integrity/rad-board/-/media/2fdabd774db945d59af3e39a3cfa0959.ashx
Ashley Medson failing to provide proper care for horses in her care .

Two VCAT decisions arising out of RAD board penalties on two greyhound licensees who got into a blue and charged with bringing the sport into disrepute
http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sign.cgi/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2019/1551

GRV v Scott 2 months suspension and fine..altercation with another Goss

http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sign.cgi/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2019/1823

GRV v Goss appeal against decision of RAD Board varied

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Arsenal · « 2019-Dec-23, 01:41 PM **Reply #22** »

Decision for each of the three codes in the RAT decisions ......Jockey.......trainer medicated greyhound with cough mixture ...and fraudulent conduct by harness persons father and daughter both DQ"d 15 months and 9 months respectively .

https://djpr.vic.gov.au/priority-industries-sectors/racing/victorian-racing-tribunal/victorian-racing-tribunal-decisions

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Arsenal · « 2020-Jan-06, 06:27 PM **Reply #23** »

Another two decisions to end of December Jason Baldock jockey's appeal against penalty for causing a fall dismissed while failure to chase appeal got up due to inconclusive evidence failure of the head on view of the dog .

Jason Baldock, Racing Victoria Appeal, 30 December 2019 (DOCX 154.31 KB)

Wendy Hughes, Greyhound Racing Appeal, 30 December 2019 (DOCX 153.78 KB)

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Arsenal · « 2020-Jan-17, 07:57 AM **Reply #24** »

Working the way it was designed to do the VRT is a success another 4 decisions delivered without delay.

Jye McNeil, Racing Victoria Hearing, 14 January 2020 (DOCX 152.52 KB)

Jess Fothergill, Greyhound Racing Victoria Hearing, 14 January 2020 (DOCX 155.77 KB)

Jay Robinson, Greyhound Racing Victoria Hearing, 14 January 2020 (DOCX 155.71 KB)

Tony Romeo, Racing Victoria Hearing, 13 January 2020 ( 0 KB)

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