The Special Stewards Panel set up by HRNSW to inquire into and investigate matters pertaining to the current HRNSW investigation into alleged corrupt and improper practices within the NSW harness industry has handed down its decision regarding the three (3) charges issued against licensed trainer Mr Dean Atkinson.
The Special Stewards Panel comprising of Justice Haylen, Mr Ray Murrihy and Mr Des Gleeson conducted the hearing on 12 January 2012.
Mr Atkinson pleaded guilty to the following three (3) charges;
CHARGE 1:
Mr Dean Atkinson, a licensed Trainer was charged under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHR) 241 for corruption.
AHR 241 reads:
A person shall not in connection with any part of the harness racing industry do anything which is fraudulent or corrupt.
The particulars of the charge being that he did corruptly give former HRNSW, Steward Mr Mathew Bentley a monetary reward to ensure that harness racing horse THE RELUCTANT DANCER was not drug tested at the race meeting held at Penrith racetrack on Thursday 12 May 2011.
CHARGE 2:
Mr Dean Atkinson, a licensed Trainer was charged under AHR 241 for corruption.
The particulars of the charge being that he did corruptly give former HRNSW, Steward Mr Mathew Bentley a monetary reward to ensure that harness racing horse THE RELUCTANT DANCER was not drug tested at the race meeting held at Menangle Park racetrack on Tuesday 17 May 2011.
CHARGE 3:
Mr Dean Atkinson, a licensed Trainer was charged under AHR 241 for corruption.
The particulars of the charge being that he did corruptly offer former HRNSW, Steward Mr Mathew Bentley a monetary reward to ensure that harness racing horse THE OPEN was not drug tested at the race meeting held at Penrith racetrack on Tuesday 12 May 2011.
The Special Stewards Panel made the following orders:
1. That Mr Dean Atkinson, trainer, is found guilty of the three (3) breaches under AHR 241.
2. That Mr Atkinson be disqualified for a period of ten (10 ) years effective 25 November 2011, the date in which he was stood down under AHR 183.
3. That THE RELUCANT DANCER be disqualified from its two (2) wins;
(a) Penrith, Race 8, 12 May 2011
(b) Menangle, Race 4, 17 May 2011
4. That THE OPEN NZ be disqualified from fourth placing in race 7, Penrith on 12 May 2011.
5. That the total prize money of $6,584 be repaid by Mr Atkinson.
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: Reid Sanders
Position: Regulatory Manager
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: rsanders@hrnsw.com.au
