Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards concluded an inquiry into two (2) incidents that occurred at the completion of Race 6 the “Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Metropolitan Pace Final (Group 3)” at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting conducted on Saturday, 15 March, 2014.
This matter was previously adjourned after reviewing the available footage and taking evidence from Ian Dornauf, driver of Royal Witness and Nathan Jack, driver of Forbidden Forest so as to allow Stewards the opportunity to review the evidence tendered.
During the adjournment the following persons were interviewed:
Christopher Shinn (Licenced driver)
Chris Alford (Licenced driver)
Jayson Finnis (Licenced driver)
Jennifer Douglas (Clerk of the Course)
Upon consideration of all evidence tendered Stewards issued various charges under the Australian Rules of Harness Racing (ARHR) as detailed below:
Mr Ian Dornauf
Mr Dornauf was found guilty to a charge under ARHR 168(1) which states:
“A person shall not before, during or after a race drive in a manner which in the opinion of the stewards is careless, reckless, incompetent, intimidatory, improper, foul or likely to endanger persons or horses.”
The particulars of the charge being:
That when the driver of Royal Witness, in Race 6 the “Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Metropolitan Pace Final (Group 3)” at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting on Saturday, 15 March, 2014 that -
(1) Shortly after passing the winning post at the completion of the event and looking over his right shoulder and establishing that Forbidden Forrest was improving to his outside, Mr Dornauf intentionally directed Royal Witness out resulting in Forbidden Forest being checked and racing roughly and his actions, in the opinion of the Stewards, were foul or likely to endanger persons or horses, specifically Nathan Jack and Forbidden Forest.
(2) That upon pulling up and conversing with Nathan Jack, driver of Forbidden Forest for a considerable distance, Mr Dornauf intentionally directed Royal Witness inwards resulting in Forbidden Forest being checked and taken in over the line of marker pegs and contact being made to the legs of Forbidden Forest and his actions, in the opinion of the Stewards, were foul or likely to endanger persons or horses, specificallly Nathan Jack and Forbidden Forest.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into consideration:
- General and Specific deterrence
- Mr Dornauf’s offence record
- Previous penalties applied in similar circumstances
- The driving conduct of Mr Dornauf was deemed to involve two (2) intentional acts
- The penalty should demonstrate that safety to horse and participant is of paramount importance
- The potential detrimental effect of such incidents on the image of the Harness Racing industry
- The extreme seriousness of a charge of driving in a manner, which is deemed to be foul or likely to endanger persons horses
Stewards imposed a nine (9) month suspension of Mr Dornauf’s driving licence and a $10,000 fine.
Mr Dornauf was found guilty of a charge under ARHR 231(2) which states:
“A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.”
The particulars of the charge being:
That when the driver of Royal Witness, in Race 6 the “Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Metropolitan Pace Final (Group 3)” at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting on Saturday 15 March 2014 upon pulling up at the completion of the race Mr Dornauf misconducted himself by engaging in a verbal altercation with Nathan Jack, driver of Forbidden Forest.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into consideration:
- Deterrent factors both general and specific
- Mr Dornauf’s prior record
- Penalties applied in similar circumstances
Stewards imposed a fine of $300
Mr Nathan Jack
Mr Jack pleaded guilty to a charge under ARHR 231(2) which states:
“A person shall not misconduct himself in any way.”
The particulars of the charge being:
That when the driver of Forbidden Forest, in Race 6 the “Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Metropolitan Pace Final (Group 3)” at the Tabcorp Park Melton meeting on Saturday, 15 March, 2014 that upon pulling up at the completion of the race Mr Jack misconducted himself by engaging in a verbal altercation with Ian Dornauf, driver of Royal Witness.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into consideration:
- General and Specific deterrence
- Mr Jack’s prior offence record
- Previous penalties applied in similar circumstances
Stewards imposed a fine of $250
Mr Dornauf and Mr Jack were advised of their rights of appeal.
