On 14 March 2019, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) made orders by consent of all parties determining the applications for review of Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) and Gaita Pullicino in respect of the decision of the HRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board of 29 August 2018.
The details of the HRV RAD Board hearing of 29 August 2018 to impose penalties upon Mrs Pullicino can be viewed here.
Background
The rule breaches relate to HRV Stewards inspections of the registered stable of trainer Andrew Jordan, where Mrs Pullicino was present, on 19 and 22 May 2017.
On 19 May 2017, Mrs Pullicino took possession of a satchel and fled the property, despite being issued with directions from HRV Stewards to remain on the property and to produce the contents of the satchel.
On 22 May 2017, Mrs Pullicino refused to produce her mobile phone for forensic examination, despite being issued with directions from HRV Stewards to do so.
Mrs Pullicino was also found to have carried on activities regulated by a licence, namely the preparation of injectable treatments for horses trained by Mr Jordan, whilst not being the holder of a current licence.
VCAT Decision
On 14 March 2019, Vice President Judge Hampel made orders, by consent of both HRV and Mrs Pullicino, to set aside the penalty of a $1000 fine for charge 1 in lieu of a 12 month disqualification to be served concurrently with the 12 month disqualifications imposed by the HRV RAD Board for charges 2 & 3. The period of disqualification was ordered to commence from 29 August 2018.
The full written VCAT decision of 14 March 2019 can be viewed here.
