Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry yesterday that commenced on 6 January 2016 into the conduct of licensed trainer/driver, Mr Joshua Willick and licensed stablehand Mr Ray Merchant, on Tuesday 29 December 2015 in relation to the registered standardbred BAD BOY MARA NZ, a horse trained by Mr Alix Khouiss that was engaged to race in race 5, the HIGH FLYER HOTEL PACE (1740 metres) at Bankstown on that date. BAD BOY MARA NZ was subsequently withdrawn from the race by order of the Stewards.
An investigation was commenced on 29 December 2015 after HRNSW Investigator, Mr Chris Paul observed Mr Willick and Mr Merchant stomach tubing BAD BOY MARA NZ at the registered training establishment of Mr Khouiss.
HRNSW Stewards issued a charge against Mr Willick pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 193(1) which states:
AHRR 193. (1) A person shall not attempt to stomach tube or stomach tube a horse nominated for a race or event within 48 hours of the commencement of the race or event.
Mr Willick was found guilty of that offence and disqualified for a period of 2 years 9 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- The serious nature of this offence
- Mr Willick’s Not Guilty plea;
- Mr Willick’s 1st offence of this nature;
- Mr Willick’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Mr Willick was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
HRNSW Stewards also issued a charge against Mr Merchant pursuant to AHRR 193(1). Mr Merchant pleaded guilty and was disqualified for 2 years 6 months to commence from 29 December 2015, the date upon which he was stood down.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- The serious nature of this offence
- Mr Merchant’s Guilty plea;
- Mr Merchant’s 1st offence of this nature;
- Mr Merchant’s licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Mr Merchant was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
HRNSW Stewards issued a charge against Mr Khouiss pursuant to AHRR 193(3) which states:
AHRR 193. (3) A person shall not administer or allow or cause to be administered any medication to a horse on race day prior to such horse running in a race.
HRNSW Stewards also issued a charge in the alternative pursuant to AHRR 239A which states:
AHRR 239A. A person whose conduct or negligence has led or could lead to a breach of the rules is guilty of an offence.
Mr Khouiss was found guilty of the charge issued pursuant to AHRR 193(3) and disqualified for 2 years 6 months to commence immediately. Consequently, HRNSW Stewards did not proceed with the alternate charge.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- The serious nature of this offence
- Mr Khouiss’ Not Guilty plea;
- Mr Khouiss’ 1st offence of this nature;
- Mr Khouiss’ licence history and other personal subjective facts.
Mr Khouiss was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
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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Chief Operations Officer
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600
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Email:
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rsanders@hrnsw.com.au
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