The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today considered a charge issued against licensed trainer Mr Boris Devcic under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 193(1) relating to a stable inspection conducted by HRV Stewards on 4 January 2017.
AHRR 193(1) states:
A person shall not attempt to stomach tube or stomach tube a horse nominated for a race or event within 48 hours of the commencement of the race or event.
The particulars of this charge were that on 4 January 2017 Mr Devcic stomach tubed the horse ‘Flagbearer’ which was engaged to race at the Mildura harness racing meeting that evening.
Mr Devcic pleaded guilty to this charge and after considering submissions regarding penalty the HRV RAD Board imposed a 9 month disqualification, to commence at midnight on 18 June 2017.
In determining penalty the HRV RAD Board considered the following:
Mr Devcic’s early guilty plea and co-operation with the Stewards.
Mr Devcic’s awareness of the relevant rule
Previous penalties for similar offences.
Specific and general deterrence.
That breaches of this rule are serious offences and the need to send a message that such offences are unacceptable.
The Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board (RADB) is established under section 50B of the Racing Act (1958). The RADB is an independent Board established to hear and determine appeals in relation to decisions made under the rules to impose penalties on persons and to hear and determine charges made against persons for serious offences.
HRV RAD Board – Boris Devcic