GLOBE DERBY INVESTIGATION – Saturday 4th September
HRSA Stewards have continued their investigations into the circumstances in which the registered horse LETS GET SHORTY contested Race 5 at Globe Derby Park on Saturday 4th September 2021 in place of stablemate, JAKE SPORTSWRITER.
On Wednesday 8 September 2021 Stewards heard further evidence from Trainers S Loone and W Gowley and Stablehand A Ward as well as the drivers who drove the three Loone trained runners, W Hill, D Smith and MA Smith. The Steward’s investigations have been widened to include whether subsequent to Race 5 there was an attempt by parties to conceal the substitution.
During the hearing Mr Loone explained that he had intended to only transport horses to and from the race meeting as advised but acknowledged he had spent a short period on course.
In addition, Stewards have ordered the registered horses JAKE SPORTWRITER and LETS GET SHORTY be stood down for a period of twenty-eight days which will remain subject to review.
Records from all betting agencies which operated on the Globe Derby race meeting are being examined together with the Pari-Mutuel records for Trifecta, Pick 4 and Quadrella betting.
In addition, Stewards have sought an independent investigation by SAPOL Officers to access broader powers of investigation to identify whether potential breaches of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act [SA] have occurred. SAPOL will examine whether breaches of Sections of the Act including 144H—Engaging in conduct that corrupts betting outcome of event; 144I—Facilitating conduct that corrupts betting outcome of event; and 144J—Concealing conduct or agreement.
HRSA’s approach to SAPOL occurred following ongoing discussions regarding cooperation between the parties and indicates that the Stewards and HRSA Board are committed to ensuring a thorough, independent investigation into this matter. Results of the full investigation are pending and will be released once finalised.
For further information contact:
GRAHAM LOCH | ACTING CHIEF STEWARD
(08) 8285 0737 • saharness@saharness.org.au
