Harness Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today concluded an inquiry from Race 3 at Albion Park on Friday, 27 February 2015 into the driving tactics adopted on KALVIN (Trevor Lambourn) which finished in last place beaten approximately 24m, specifically the quick tempo once the gelding obtained the lead, and Mr Lambourn’s actions thereafter in looking over his shoulder on multiple occasions.
These aspects were of particular concern to Stewards due to the fact that NOLONGA YOUR CHOICE (NZ), a runner trained by his partner Ms Rachel Scott was also in the field.
Mr Lambourn explained that after finding the lead at approximately the 1600m KALVIN was inclined to overrace and when attempting to restrain also paced roughly at various stages. Mr Lambourn felt that KALVIN was best suited to running at a genuine tempo and based on its recent form thought the gelding would perform well.
Mr Lambourn also tendered a veterinary certificate from West Vets stating KALVIN was mildly lame in the near fore and was markedly sore in the sacroiliac area when examined on Saturday, 28 February.
After considering the evidence tendered, Stewards, whilst still critical of the tactics adopted by Mr Lambourn, were of the view that a charge or charges relating to the standard of the drive could not be sustained to the requisite standard. Stewards noted the circumstances for future reference and further reminded Mr Lambourn of his obligations under Rule 162 (1)(o) which reads:
“A driver shall not look around unduly during a race”.
Evidence tendered during the course of this inquiry regarding betting activity on the event led to further investigations being conducted. As a result, several wagers of concern to Stewards were revealed to have been placed via Mr Lambourn’s Tattsbet account between 24 February 2012 and 27 February 2015 and his Bet365 account on 16 February 2014 on Harness events in Queensland.
After considering the evidence before them and after taking further submissions from Mr Lambourn and witness Ms Rachel Scott, Stewards preferred 2 charges against Mr Lambourn in breach of AHR Rule 173(1) which reads:
“A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates.”
The particulars being:
Charge 1: That between 24 February 2012 and 27 February 2015 Mr Lambourn placed 287 bets via his Tattsbet account in races in which he participated in as the driver of that horse, and also one wager via his Bet365 account on 16 February 2014 in a race where he participated as the driver of that horse. On a further 33 occasions Mr Lambourn wagered on both the horse he drove and on another runner from his stable driven by another person.
Charge 2: That between 13 March 2012 and 27 February 2015 Mr Lambourn placed 40 bets via his Tattsbet account in races in which he participated as the driver, on both the horse he drove and also on runners trained and driven by other people. On a further two occasions Mr Lambourn placed a bet in a race in which he participated as the driver, solely on a runner not trained or driven by him.
Mr Lambourn pleaded not guilty to the charges, however on hearing further submissions and reviewing the available evidence Stewards were of the view that the charges could be sustained as issued and formally found him guilty.
In assessing penalty Stewards were mindful of the degree of seriousness and particular circumstances of this case, the deterrent effect of any penalty and the impact of any penalty on Mr Lambourn’s livelihood. In all the circumstances Stewards determined the following penalties be applied:
Charge 1: $10,000 fine
Charge 2: The disqualification of Mr Lambourn’s licences to train and drive for a period of 2 years backdated to commence 28 February 2015, the day on which he was stood down.
Mr Lambourn was advised of his appeal rights.
Stewards Panel: P Zimmermann, C McLune, M Ross