Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have issued charges against licensed trainer Robert King, licensed stablehand Gregory Burns and registered owner Tyson Burns in relation to the euthanasia and disposal of ‘Gerry Giraffe’ in August 2019.
All three persons have been issued with a charge under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 243, which states:
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.
It is alleged that on 31 August 2019, trainer Robert King arranged with Gregory Burns for the injured gelding ‘Gerry Giraffe’ to be removed from his stables and euthanised by Tyson Burns on private property without the permission of that property owner.
Mr King has also been issued with a charge under AHRR 96A(4)(a), which states:
(4) The owner or trainer of a registered horse at the time of its death shall:
(a) In the case of a horse which dies within fourteen (14) days of being entered for or participating
in a race notify the Controlling Body of the death within 24 hours of its occurrence.
It is alleged that Robert King failed to notify the Stewards of the death of 'Gerry Giraffe' within 24 hours of its occurrence.
HRV Stewards have also issued further charges against Gregory Burns and Tyson Burns under AHRR 217 which states:
A person whether alone or in association with others shall not conceal or attempt
to conceal the identity of a horse.
It is alleged that, under the direction of his father Gregory Burns, Tyson Burns removed the brand of ‘Gerry Giraffe’ following its death to conceal its identity.
These charges will be heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) on a date to be fixed.
