ON Monday 13 November 2017, Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an inquiry in relation to the betting activities of licensed trainer/driver Mr Grimson.
Mr Grimson appeared at the inquiry and presented evidence. Evidence including betting records and race results were also presented.
Stewards issued two (2) charges pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 240(c) as follows:
AHRR 240. A person shall not, whether alone or in an association with others, do, permit or suffer anything before, during or after a race which in the opinion of the Stewards or Controlling Body:-
(c) is improper.
The details of the charges issued against Mr Grimson are as follows:
On 3 January 2017, Mr Grimson placed a five (5) leg multi bets via the wagering operator Tabcorp which included race 7 at Menangle on that date. In that leg, Mr Grimson placed a bet on SALTY ROBYN NZ when he was the trainer of WYDNBERG TERROR in that race.
On 2 February 2017, Mr Grimson placed a win bet via the wagering operator Tabcorp on race 5 at Penrith on that date. Mr Grimson placed a bet on EASY LIGHTNING to win that race when he was the trainer of MACHIN OUT in that race.
As Mr Grimson had placed bets on horses other than those trained by him to win the respective races, Stewards considered those actions improper.
Mr Grimson pleaded guilty to both charges and he was disqualified for a period of three months in respect of each charge, effective immediately and to be served concurrently.
In determining penalty, Stewards considered the actions of Mr Grimson, his licence history, his guilty plea as well as his personal and subjective factors
Mr Grimson has appealed these decisions.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
For further information regarding this matter please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gadams@hrnsw.com.au
