The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard a matter in regard to two charges issued by HRV Stewards under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 218 against Mr Geoff Crilly (Former Licensed Trainer)
AHRR 218 reads as follows;
A person having responsibility for the welfare of a horse shall not fail to care for it properly.
The first charge under AHRR 218 against Mr Crilly related to his failure to provide the necessary veterinary care and attention to an unnamed two-year-old colt, which was identified by HRV Stewards at the property of Mr Crilly on 8 September 2016.
The second charge under AHRR 218 related to Mr Crilly’s failure to care for his horses properly between 8 May 2015 and 8 September 2016, by not providing adequate feed, water, stabling, fencing, veterinary and farrier attention.
The HRV RAD Board determined that Mr Crilly, despite being unlicensed for a small part of the relevant period (following the completion of the 2015-2016 racing season), was carrying on activities that related to the harness racing industry through his breeding and ownership activities and therefore was bound by the rules for the entirety of the period.
Mr Crilly did not appear at today’s HRV RAD Board hearing, however after considering submissions from HRV Stewards relating to recent communication with Mr Crilly and acting under Victorian Local Rule 50 (1)(a) the hearing proceeded in his absence.
The HRV RAD Board, after hearing evidence from Stewards and after taking into consideration all relevant material including all interviews, statements and exhibits found Mr Crilly guilty of the both charges issued under AHRR 218.
After considering submissions from the HRV Stewards in relation to the importance of animal welfare and taking into account specific and general deterrence and to protect the harness racing industry, the HRV RAD Board formally imposed the following penalties against Mr Crilly:
Charge 1 – Disqualification of 3 years;
Charge 2 – Disqualification of 2 years.
The HRV RAD Board ordered that these penalties be served cumulatively; therefore Mr Crilly is disqualified for a period of 5 years, to commence immediately.
The HRV RAD Board further ordered, under the provisions of AHRR 258, that the remaining horses be removed from the care, control and management of Mr Crilly forthwith.
HRV would like to remind all industry participants of their duty of care to adequately protect the welfare of all horses in their care and the serious approach taken by HRV to any breaches of that duty.
HRV RAD BOARD – Geoff Crilly
Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board