Thursday 22 April 2010
Matthew Jackson
At the adjourned inquiry into an incident at Tamworth on 24 January 2010, Matthew Jackson pleaded guilty under Rule 231 (1) for attempting to assault licensed person Michael Seijka on three separate occasions and under Rule 243 for bringing the harness racing industry into disrepute.
Mr Jackson was disqualified for four (4) years on each charge, backdated to when he was stood down on 24 February 2010.The penalties are to be served concurrently.
As a consequence, a suspended penalty of $500 on Mr Jackson for a matter at Newcastle on 16 January 2010 was applied.
From the same incident, Mr Michael Seijka was previously fined $4,000, of which $2,000 is suspended for a period of 12 months, under Rule 231 (1) for threatening and intimidating behaviour.
Regal Hawk
Further evidence was taken regarding the circumstances surrounding Regal Hawk who was retired from a race at Tamworth on 17 September 2009 as a short priced favourite.
Upon questioning Mr Adam Ruggari and Mr Robert Xerri in relation to phone and TAB account records, Stewards established a link to the disqualified person Mr Michael Achurch.
As a result, the inquiry was adjourned so that Mr Achurch can be called to give evidence.
Premium Red
Further evidence was taken regarding the circumstances surrounding Premium Red who was retired from a race at Newcastle on 18 February 2010 as a short priced favourite.
Upon questioning Mr Matthew Jackson in relation to phone and bank account records, Stewards established a link to the disqualified person Mr Michael Achurch.
As a result, the inquiry was adjourned so that Mr Achurch can be called to give evidence.
Menangle Race 4 – 20 April 2010
As a result of betting information obtained by Stewards, the circumstances surrounding race 4 at Menangle Park on 20 April 2010 is being investigated further.
Hush Woman
The confirmatory analysis of a swab taken from Hush Woman following her win at Young on 12 February 2010 has returned positive to atropine and scopolamine.
Hush Woman has been stood down from competition pending an inquiry on a date to fixed.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Michael Beattie
Position: Chairman of Stewards
Phone: (02) 97226600
Email: mbeattie@hrnsw.com.au
