Stewards’ Report – Cindy Rippon
Date – 15 September 2016
Panel – K Wolsey, S Fletcher, A Spence
Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the pathology report pertaining to a urine sample provided by licensed harness driver Cindy Rippon at a harness race meeting conducted at Redcliffe on Wednesday, 31 August 2016, which upon analysis revealed the presence of 11-Nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (Cannabis) above the permitted threshold.
After considering all the evidence tendered, Stewards charged Ms Rippon pursuant to AHR Rule 250(1)(a) which reads:
“A driver commits an offence if a sample taken from him is found upon analysis to contain
a substance banned by Rule 251.”
Specifics of the charge being that when engaged to drive at Redcliffe on Wednesday, 31 August 2016 Ms Rippon provided a urine sample which upon analysis was found to contain a substance banned by Rule 251, namely 11-Nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (Cannabis) above the permitted threshold.
Ms Rippon pleaded guilty to the charge as issued.
When considering the matter of penalty Stewards were mindful of the lengthy period of time Ms Rippon has held a licence, her co-operation and forthright evidence during the inquiry, her guilty plea, and the impact any penalty may have on Ms Rippon’s personal and financial circumstances. However, these factors were also balanced against the seriousness of the offence and this particular substance, the range of penalties previously imposed for breaches of this rule with respect to this substance and also the importance of a drug free workplace.
In all the circumstances Stewards determined the appropriate penalty be a suspension for a period of three (3) months, to be backdated to commence on Wednesday, 31 August 2016, the day on which Ms Rippon was stood down.
Further, under the provisions of AHR Rule 250(4), Ms Rippon was advised she will be required to provide a sample free of banned substances prior to resuming driving.
Ms Rippon was advised of her rights to an internal review.
