HARNESS Racing New South Wales Stewards held an inquiry yesterday into the horse SYSTAMATIC which was presented to race with a freezebrand that related to another horse FOUR STARZZZ CHEF.
Licensed trainer Mr Cameron Davies presented evidence to the inquiry with regards to his involvement with the horse SYSTAMATIC.
Further evidence was obtained from Mr Michael Boots, the registered owner of SYSTAMATIC.
In relation to the horse SYSTAMATIC, the following has been established on the evidence before the Stewards inquiry:
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In 2013 two colts were bred in Leeton NSW. One colt with the breeding ‘MISTER FEELGOOD USA x GILGIRL’ (named SYSTAMATIC) and the other colt with the breeding ‘FOUR STARZZZ SHARK CA x CHEFTAINE’ (named FOUR STARZZZ CHEF);
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SYSTAMATIC was initially trained by licensed trainer Mr Norman Diebert (Snr) before being transferred into the stable of Mr Davies on 17 April 2017;
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Mr Davies did not compare the horse’s freezebrand with the appearance of the horse as recorded on the Registration Assessment Certificate (RAC);
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During the period 2 August 2017 and 21 April 2018, Mr Davies presented the horse to start in races;
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DNA testing revealed that the breeding of the horse presented by Mr Davies to race as SYSTAMATIC was of the breeding FOUR STARZZZ SHARK CA x CHEFTAINE.
Mr Davies pleaded guilty to a charge pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 45(5) & (6) as follows:
AHRR 45 (5) A person shall ensure that the correct horse is presented to start in a race.
(6) A person who fails to comply with this rule is guilty of an offence.
Mr Davies was fined the amount of $1000.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
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Mr Davies first offence for such matter;
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Seriousness of the offence;
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Circumstances of this matter;
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Mr Davies’ guilty plea, licence history, personal and financial subjective facts.
Mr Davies was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
In addition, HRNSW Stewards ordered that SYSTAMATIC be disqualified from all races. HRNSW Stewards also ordered that the registration details of the horses be amended to accurately reflect their true identify and appearance.
A review of HRNSW processes will be undertaken.
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.
To arrange an interview or for further information 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
