Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards considered the licence status of Mrs Gaita Pullicino as a result of a stable inspection conducted at Mrs Pullicino’s property on 10 September 2014.
As a brief background, early in the 2013/2014 season Mrs Pullicino signed a declaration agreeing to probationary training and driving licences bearing a number of conditions.
HRV Stewards had cause to hold an inquiry with Mrs Pullicino on 17 March 2014 after a stable inspection raised concerns that Mrs Pullicino may have been working horses outside the stipulations of her licence conditions. At this inquiry, although no direct findings were made as to the training status of the additional horses, HRV Stewards issued a further set of directions which clarified the initial licence conditions imposed.
Following the stable inspection on 10 September 2014, it was reported that in addition to the six approved horses on the property under the training of Mrs Pullicino, a further six horses that had not been approved by HRV Stewards were also present.
After considering submissions from Mrs Pullicino and stable assistant Mr Brett Greene, Stewards were satisfied that Mrs Pullicino had breached the conditions of her licence and invoked an immediate cancellation of both trainers and drivers licences.
Mrs Pullicino has been advised of her rights of appeal.
