Harness Racing NSW yesterday concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incorrect presentation and subsequent racing of FINAL COUNT in Race 2 the Schwager & Sons/ Deans Milk/ Terry Picone John Dean Memorial Heat Two (2,160 metres) at Narrabri Non-Tab Harness Racing Meeting conducted on Saturday 9th March 2013.
Evidence was taken from Mr Robert Clement Trainer /Driver of FINAL COUNT and BANYULA FELLA NZ, registered Owner of both horses, Mr Andrew Clement, the Steward in charge of the meeting Mr Greg Westwood, the Narrabri Horse Identification Official, Mr Vince Brennan and a person who had placed wagers on Race 2. Wagering information, including Bookmaker ledgers and on course totalisator figures were analysed.
Evidence disclosed that the pacer presented as FINAL COUNT at Narrabri on 9 March 2013 was in fact BANYULA FELLA NZ. Mr Robert Clement admitted that by mistake, he did present the incorrect horse BANYULA FELLA NZ for Race 2 instead of FINAL COUNT.
Mr Clement explained that he had three runners engaged at the meeting namely FINAL COUNT in Race 2, SOHO EROS in Race 4 and BANYULA FELLA NZ in Race 5.
BANYULA FELLA NZ had recently entered his stable and was having its first start for him. On the day Mr Clement explained that he arrived later than anticipated at the course and he alone was in charge of his three runners. Mr Clement added that he had become distracted during the preparation of FINAL COUNT and subsequently had geared up the wrong horse and he had not become aware of the mistaken identity.
Due to an infestation of grass burrs surrounding the Narrabri parade ring, which would have affected sulky tyres, runners were not required to marshal in the parade ring prior to the event. Instead runners progressed directly from the stabling area to the track. Mr Clement progressed on to the course proper via the Horse Identification Official.
In evidence the Horse Identification Official explained that with the change to the usual parading arrangements, in Race 2, runners had progressed simultaneously onto the track. He had identified other runners but acknowledged that he had failed to identify FINAL COUNT.
Mr Clement then completed a brief preliminary and raced FINAL COUNT which finished first. At no stage, did he believe anything unusual had occurred.
After the race, Mr Clement returned post race to the tie up stall at which point the Club Veterinarian Dr Zoe Rickert, under direction of the Stewards attended to take a post race blood sample. At this point, Dr Rickert, when confirming the identity of FINAL COUNT, discovered that the horse presented as FINAL COUNT was incorrect. Immediately Dr Rickert and Mr Clement attended the office of the Stewards and brought the discrepancy to Mr Westwood’s attention.
The following evidence was adduced:
· Both FINAL COUNT and BANYULA FELLA NZ raced in similar gear.
· Both pacers are plain bays
· The horses did not parade as per requirements
· The identification official failed to properly identify FINAL COUNT
Betting Analysis
As this was a non TAB meeting, oncourse betting was the only wagering conducted on the meeting.
The on–course Totalisator information revealed that a total of $196 was invested on Race 2.
Two Bookmakers operated on-course. The total hold of both Bookmakers on FINAL COUNT was $801 for a payout of $1,895.
A punter was identified as having two wagers of $300 on FINAL COUNT. In evidence, this person explained that he had assessed the chances of FINAL COUNT and was of the opinion this horse had excellent prospects of success. He supported FINAL COUNT accordingly. He had no connection whatsoever with the Clement stable.
It was established that the owner of FINAL COUNT, Mr Andrew Clement, had a small token bet on the gelding in line with his usual practice.
Trainer/Driver Mr Robert Clement pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AHR 273(7) which reads: “A person shall ensure that the correct horse is presented to start in a race”.
The particulars being that at the Narrabri Non-Tab Harness Race Meeting conducted on Saturday 9th March 2013, Trainer/Driver Mr Robert Clement failed to ensure that the correct horse that being FINAL COUNT was presented start in Race 2 the Schwager & Sons/ Deans Milk/ Terry Picone John Dean Memorial Heat Two (2,160 metres) and as a result in place of FINAL COUNT stablemate BANYULA FELLA NZ was mistakenly presented, competed in and won Race 2.
In assessing penalty consideration was given to the following. This included, but are not limited to,:
· Mr Clement’s guilty plea and cooperation with the inquiry
· The circumstances of this case
· The failure on the day of the official horse identification procedures
· Mr Clements personal circumstances leading into and on the day.
· That all the evidence concluded that this was accidental breach
Mr Robert Clement was fined the sum of $3,000.
Furthermore, pursuant to AHRR 65 FINAL COUNT was disqualified as the winner of Race 2 at Narrabri on 9 March 2013 and the placings amended to:
1st AUNTY BERYL (AC Frisby)
2ND LOVE CONQUERS ALL (D A Chapple)
3rd CLARAMENTE (L A Clement)
4th ITAINTROCKETSCIENCE NZ (P J Hedges)
As Mr Clement had been issued with a six (6) month conditional Trainer/Driver licence by the HRNSW Board on the 23rd October 2012, Stewards acting under the provision of AHRR 15 (e) suspended Mr Clement’s Trainer/Driver licence until a report is considered by the Board.
HRNSW will conduct a review of all Horse Identifying procedures currently utilised by Race Clubs.
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.
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To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
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Name:
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Reid Sanders
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Position:
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Manager Integrity
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600
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Email:
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