The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard a matter in regards to a charge issued by HRV Stewards under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) against licensed trainer Mr Louis Franc.
Mr Franc was charged under AHRR 216 which reads:
A person whether alone or in association with others shall not fraudulently or improperly nominate or start a horse in a race.
The charge related to the nomination and scratching of ‘Bianca Jasper’ from the ‘Lions 201 Memorial Pace’ at the Horsham harness racing meeting on 13 March 2017.
Mr Franc pleaded guilty to the charge and after considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board imposed a fine of $1500, with $500 of that fine suspended for a period of 12 months. In handing down the penalty to Mr Franc the HRV RAD Board took into account Mr Franc’s early guilty plea and cooperation with the Stewards during the investigation, Mr Franc’s good record over his 20 year involvement in the industry and submissions in relation to his standing in the industry. The HRV RAD Board also noted that the integrity of harness racing had to be upheld at all times and the need for consistency of penalties.
Harness Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board