RWWA Stewards have now completed their deliberations with respect to penalty for the two charges found against harness racing trainer Mr G Bond arising from an extensive investigation into all aspects of Race 1 conducted at Gloucester Park on 2 December 2016, in particular the disappointing performance of pre-post favourite FIFTH EDITION NZ and the wagering activity on that race.
The inquiry was conducted over 4 sittings and heard evidence from multiple persons, which resulted in the tabling of 39 exhibits and some 420 pages of transcript.
Having found Mr Bond guilty of both charges on 12 June 2017 and after hearing submissions on penalty on 4 July 2017, the Stewards have determined to impose a penalty of 6-months disqualification in relation to the offence under Rule 209 and a 12-month disqualification in relation to the offence under Rule 243 effective forthwith.
The penalties are to be served concurrently.
In assessing penalty in each instance the Stewards took into account, amongst other things;
- The seriousness of the matters.
- Mr Bond’s personal circumstances, level of current involvement in the racing industry and overall record in racing which did not contain any significant offences.
- The prejudice to the image and interest of racing as it related to Charge 2.
- The need to send a clear message that such actions in each instance are not acceptable or to be tolerated by the Stewards.
As Mr Bond was licensed to train in partnership, Harness Regulation 90.1 (8)(c) states:
(8) RWWA may grant a trainers licence to a person to train only in partnership.
(a) The partnership shall not comprise more than two people.
(b) Each partner must hold the same grade of trainers licence.
(c) Each partner shall be subject to any disability, fine, suspension, disqualification or other penalty that may be imposed under the rules on any partner.
Pursuant to these provisions this disqualification has the effect of disqualifying the training partnership.
In view of the provisions of the above as it relates to Mrs. Bond and the training partnership, the Stewards have directed pursuant to Rule 183 that all training licenses held by her be suspended forthwith pending the outcome of inquiry concerning the application of this rule in relation to her. In that respect the Stewards have afforded the opportunity to receive submissions in relation to the application of this rule as it relates to Mrs. Bond.
Details of charges follows.
Details of Charges
Charge 1
Rule 209 False Information
A person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not knowingly or recklessly furnish false information to the Controlling Body, the Stewards or anyone else.
Particulars
Particulars of the charge are that you did knowingly furnish false information to the Stewards, namely that during a phone call with the Chief Steward Mr Carl Coady on 5 December 2016 you stated that you had included your runner FIFTH EDITION in a First Four bet on Race 1 at Gloucester Park on 2 December 2016 when that was false.
Charge 2
Rule: 243 Behaviour detrimental to the industry
A person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not behave in a way which is prejudicial or detrimental to the industry.
Particulars
The particulars of the charge are that you as a licensed trainer behaved in a way that was prejudicial to the industry as is set out in the matters below;
Prior to Race 1 at Gloucester Park on 2 December 2016 in which FIFTH EDITION a horse trained by you was drawn to compete, you were aware from comments made to you by the Driver Mr R Warwick of the horse hanging and cross firing when he drove it in track work on Tuesday 29 November 2016.
And;
On TAB Radio on the morning of the race meeting, spoke positively as to the prospects of the horse in the race including indicating it was the best of the night for the Bond team but omitted to make any reference to the matter brought to your attention by Mr Warwick in relation to the horse hanging and cross firing when he drove it in track work on Tuesday 29 November 2016.
And
Expressed to the owner Mr Gartrell in a phone call to be beware given this matter that you were aware of from Mr Warwick.
And
In relation to this race in question you had multiple bets, by way of a First Four with multiple combinations and a Quadrella, which deliberately did not include FIFTH EDITION at all.
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au