The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) yesterday heard an application for review lodged by the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards regarding a penalty decision of the HRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board on 24 May 2017 in relation to a charge issued against licensed trainer-driver Alison Chisholm.
On 24 May 2017, Mrs Chisholm pleaded guilty to a charge issued under Australian Harness Racing Rule 190(1) for presenting the horse ‘Jimmy The Editor NZ’ to race at Tabcorp Park Melton on 16 April 2016 when not free of cobalt, a prohibited substance when present at a concentration of greater than 200µg/L (as it was then). Mrs Chisholm was issued with a 12-month suspension of her trainers licence. The full HRV RAD Board media release can be found here.
On 7 August 2017, VCAT Presiding Member Wentworth heard evidence from Veterinary Pharmacologist Professor Paul Mills, along with submissions and statements on behalf of the HRV Stewards and Mrs Chisholm. After considering all the material tendered, Member Wentworth reserved her decision on penalty and advised that a decision could be expected in approximately eight weeks.
Harness Racing Victoria