20 January 2015
Stewards Panel: D Farquharson, K Wolsey, N Torpey, M Ross
Racing Queensland (RQ) Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the betting activities of trainer/driver Mr Gary Vernon between the period of May 2014 to July 2014 with betting agency Bet365.
After considering the evidence tendered, which included a detailed transaction report of Mr Vernon’s account, Stewards preferred 12 charges against Mr Vernon who pleaded guilty to the following charges as issued in breach of AHR Rule 173(1) which reads:
“A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates.”
The specifics of each charge being that:
Charge 1: On 31 May 2014 Mr Vernon placed a bet of $300 on REVIVALIST which competed in Race 3 at Albion Park, The Centenary Classic Mercedes Benz Q0 Pace, a race in which he drove LITE PRINCE. Further, that Mr Vernon placed a bet of $10 on LITE PRINCE in that event.
Charge 2: On 14 June 2014 Mr Vernon placed bets on LITE PRINCE totalling $100 which competed in Race 9 at Albion Park, The Sky Racing Has You Covered Q0 Pace, a race in which he drove LITE PRINCE.
Charge 3: On 19 June 2014 Mr Vernon placed a bet of $375 on BLESSED IS THE BOY which competed in Race 8 at Redcliffe, The Trottips Powered by Polster Pace, a race in which he drove THANKNBONNIE.
Charge 4: On 20 June 2014 Mr Vernon placed a bet of $100 on FULLNESS OF TIME which competed in Race 1 at Albion Park, The Sure Products 3YO Pace, a race in which he drove FULLNESS OF TIME.
Charge 5: On 20 June 2014 Mr Vernon placed bets on HORACE FOXLEY (NZ) totalling $200 which competed in Race 6 at Albion Park, The Sure Duz Mosquito Candle Conditioned Pace, a race in which he drove CRUIZIN SPROCKET.
Charge 6: On 28 June 2014 Mr Vernon placed a bet of $100 on MARTY BEE which competed in Race 4 at Albion Park, The Sure Products Q0 Pace, a race in which he drove CRUIZIN SPROCKET.
Charge 7: On 1 July 2014 Mr Vernon placed bets on FULLNESS OF TIME totalling $360.29 which competed in Race 5 at Albion Park, The Seymour Rising Stars Championship C1 Heat 2, a race in which he drove FULLNESS OF TIME.
Charge 8: On 5 July 2014 Mr Vernon placed bets on LOMBO CLOUD NINE totalling $130 which competed in Race 7 at Albion Park, The Betta Home Living Virginia and Keperra Q1 Mares Pace, a race in which he drove LOMBO CLOUD NINE.
Charge 9: On 10 July 2014 Mr Vernon placed bets on FULLNESS OF TIME totalling $280 which competed in Race 5 at Albion Park, The 2014 Queensland Oaks, on 12 July 2014, a race in which he drove FULLNESS OF TIME.
Charge 10: On 18 July 2014 Mr Vernon placed a bet of $200 on HAWTHORNDEN which competed in Race 5 at Albion Park, The Secure A Spot Spectacular Pace, a race in which he drove LOMBO CLOUD NINE. Further, Mr Vernon placed a quinella bet of $18 on HAWTHORNDEN and LOMBO CLOUD NINE in that event.
Charge 11: On 18 July 2014 Mr Vernon placed a bet of $300 on FULLNESS OF TIME which competed in Race 6 at Albion Park, The Get The Tatts App Pace, a race in which he drove FULLNESS OF TIME.
Charge 12: On 24 July 2014 Mr Vernon placed a bet of $200 on WATERSLIDE which competed in Race 8 at Redcliffe, The Kelatovit Quikheal Pace, a race in which he drove WATERSLIDE.
After considering Mr Vernon’s submissions on penalty Stewards issued the following penalties:
Charge 1: 6 months disqualification + $500 fine
Charge 2: $500 fine
Charge 3: 6 months disqualification
Charge 4: $500 fine
Charge 5: 6 months disqualification
Charge 6: 6 months disqualification
Charge 7: $500 fine
Charge 8: $500 fine
Charge 9: $500 fine
Charge 10: 6 months disqualification + $500 fine
Charge 11: $500 fine
Charge 12: $500 fine
Pursuant to AHR Rule 257 Stewards directed the periods of disqualification be served cumulatively (totalling 30 months) effective immediately.
Horses trained by Mr Vernon which were engaged to race at the Redcliffe race meeting on 21 January 2015 were withdrawn by Stewards and Mr Vernon was advised of his rights to appeal.
In assessing penalty the Stewards took into account the serious nature of the breaches, the negative impact these breaches have on the image of the sport, the need for a significant penalty to serve as a deterrent to Mr Vernon and to also illustrate to the industry that this type of conduct will not be tolerated.
