Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have concluded inquiries into the conduct of licensed persons Mr Rhys Nicholson and Mr Brian Kiesey.
Rhys Nicholson
The inquiry relating to Mr Nicholson was concerning his conduct when appearing before HRV Stewards at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting on 28 September 2018.
After taking evidence from Mr Nicholson he was charged and subsequently found guilty under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 231(2) which states:
“A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.”
The charge related to the manner in which Mr Nicholson behaved when appearing before the Stewards at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting on 28 September 2018.
In assessing penalty Stewards were mindful of Mr Nicholson’s prior offence record, his personal circumstances and previous penalties imposed under this rule. Stewards accordingly imposed a fine of $1,000 with $500 of the penalty suspended for a period of 2 years providing no further offences under the conduct related rules during that time.
Mr Nicholson was advised of his rights of appeal.
Brian Kiesey
The inquiry relating to Mr Kiesey was concerning content posted on ‘Twitter’.
After taking evidence from Mr Kiesey he was charged and subsequently found guilty under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 248 which states:
“A person shall not say, publish or write or cause to be said, published or written anything malicious, intimidatory or otherwise improper about the Controlling Body, its members and employees or the Stewards or anyone else associated with the harness racing industry.”
The charge related to content posted by Mr Kiesey on his 'Twitter' account between the period of 2 December 2018 and 7 December 2018, with the content published deemed to be improper.
In assessing penalty Stewards were mindful of Mr Kiesey's prior offences under this rule and the conduct related rules in general, Mr Kiesey receiving a written warning only weeks prior, his personal circumstances and previous penalties imposed under this rule. Stewards accordingly imposed a fine of $2,000 with $1,000 of the penalty suspended for a period of 2 years providing he does not reoffend under Rule 248 during that time.
Mr Kiesey was advised of his rights of appeal.
