On 17 June 2020, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) considered charges issued by the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards against licensed drivers Ken Rogers, Kaela Hryhorec and Michelle Phillips.
These charges originated from the conduct of the above licensed persons at the Mildura race meeting on 6 February 2020.
Charges
Ken Rogers
Licensed driver Ken Rogers pleaded guilty to a charge under AHRR 231(1)(a) which states:
231. (1) A person shall not
(a) threaten
anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it.
The charge related to a threatening comment made by Mr Rogers toward another licensed person at the Mildura race meeting on 6 February 2020.
Kaela Hryhorec
Licensed driver Kaela Hryhorec pleaded to guilty to two (2) charges.
Charge one (1) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(2) which states:
231. (2) A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.
Charge two (2) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(1)(e) which states:
231. (1) A person shall not
(e) assault
anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it.
The charges related to Ms Hryhorec engaging in a verbal altercation, and assaulting another licensed person, at the Mildura race meeting on 6 February 2020.
Michelle Phillips
Licensed driver Michelle Phillips pleaded guilty to two (2) charges.
Charge one (1) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(2) which states:
231. (2) A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.
Charge two (2) was issued under the provisions of AHRR 231(1)(e) which states:
231. (1) A person shall not
(e) assault
anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it.
The charges related to Ms Phillips engaging in a verbal altercation and assaulting another licensed person when retaliating to an initial assault, at the Mildura race meeting on 6 February 2020.
Penalties
Ken Rogers
AHRR 231(1)(a) – 4 month suspension.
The Tribunal ordered this suspension be served cumulatively to a suspension Mr Rogers is currently serving with the suspension to expire on 27 January 2021. The Tribunal further imposed a previously suspended fine of $250.
Kaela Hryhorec
Charge 1 – $1,000 fine with $500 suspended for a period of 2 years.
Charge 2 – 4 month disqualification commencing immediately.
Michelle Phillips
Charge 1 – $1,000 fine with $500 suspended for a period of 2 years.
Charge 2 – $2,500 fine with $500 suspended for a period of 2 years.
VRT Panel: Judge John Bowman (Chairman) and Member Heidi Keighran
The written decisions of the VRT can be found here.
(Please note that VRT Decisions will generally be published within 7-10 days of the date of hearing)
