Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have concluded an investigation into an alleged altercation between licensed persons at the Maryborough Trials conducted on 5 February 2017.
After taking evidence from licensed trainer/driver Tina Ridis today and considering the evidence of the following witnesses who were interviewed on 6 February 2017:
Robert Colquhoun
Colin Redwood
Stephen Martin
Narelle James
Keith Douglas
Rick Pascoe
Brett Shipway
Ms Ridis was issued with two charges, to which she pleaded guilty, under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 231(2) which states:
A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.
The charges related to the conduct of Ms Ridis, leading up to, and at the Maryborough Trials on 5 February 2017.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into account:
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The guilty plea entered and the remorse shown;
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Character references tendered;
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The prior offence record of Ms Ridis;
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The level of misconduct involved.
A $1,000 fine with half suspended for two years was imposed with respect to each charge.
In total Stewards imposed a $2,000 fine with $1,000 of that penalty suspended for a period of two years providing that Ms Ridis does not reoffend under the conduct related rules during that time.
