After considering evidence provided by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Investigators and all relevant parties, licensed trainer Emma Stewart pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 90A (2.9)(a) which states:
(a) The holder of a trainer’s license shall ensure that all persons carrying out the activities of a stable hand are licensed as stable hands.
The particulars of the charge being that as a licensed trainer and thus at all times being responsible for the conduct of her stable, Ms Stewart failed to ensure that Mr Daryl Douglas and Mr Sam Stewart were appropriately licensed when performing activities under her supervision that required a license.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into account Ms Stewart’s guilty plea, prior record in that there was no previous offence in 15 years of having maintained a trainers’ licence and the precedence of penalties for offences under this rule. Stewards accordingly imposed a fine of $400.
Ms Stewart was advised of her appeal rights.
