The HRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard the appeal of Mr Craig Demmler regarding a decision made by HRV Stewards on 13 March 2015 to suspend Mr Demmler’s training and driving licences.
This decision was made by HRV Stewards under the provisions of Australian Rule of Harness Racing (ARHR) 183. The suspension was imposed pending the outcome of an investigation into an analytical report that one of Mr Demmler’s horses had returned an elevated raceday cobalt level that was in excess of the relevant threshold permitted by the rules.
At the hearing, the HRV RAD Board heard submissions on behalf of both the HRV Stewards and Mr Demmler. The HRV RAD Board also heard from Dr Richard Cust regarding the nature of the substance cobalt.
The HRV RAD Board noted that they were required to decide whether the decision of the HRV Stewards was justified in all of the circumstances and after considering all of the matters before it, ordered that the decision of the HRV Stewards was justified.
The HRV RAD Board accordingly dismissed the appeal of Mr Demmler and the restrictions imposed upon Mr Demmler therefore remain in place.
