HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded their inquiries into certain activities of licensed trainer Dean Germon on Wednesday May 2, 2017.
These inquiries resulted from an inspection of the trainer’s stables on Monday, February 6, 2017.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2017, Stewards took evidence from Mr Germon in regards to matters dealing with the intended lease of two registered standardbred horses, details of stable returns submitted by the trainer and his attempt to work a horse at the Tamworth Showgrounds when not officially included in his stable.
This hearing was adjourned to allow Stewards to fully consider the evidence.
By letter dated March, 1, 2017, Mr Germon was informed of the charges laid against him.
They included;
Charges 1 and 2 issued under HR Rules 109 (1) & (2) which state;
109. (1) Within 7 days of entering into a lease or prior to the horse next racing whichever is the earlier the lessee shall lodge a notification of the lease with the Controlling Body.
(2) Notification shall be made in the manner and form and be accompanied by such documentation, information and fees as the Controlling Body may determine.
Charge 3 issued under HR Rules 25 (1)(a) & (4) which state;
25. (1) (a) A stable return containing the true and correct particulars must be lodged with the Controlling Body by the connections of a horse within the time and in the manner and form determined by the Controlling Body and the connections shall ensure that all particulars on the stable return are true and correct.
(4) A person who fails to comply with any provision of this rule is guilty of an offence.
Charge 4 issued pursuant to HR Rule 91(1)(c) which states;
91. (1) A person shall not carry on an activity regulated by licence –
(c) except in accordance with the terms and conditions of the licence.
(2) A person who fails to comply with any provision of sub rule (1) is guilty of an offence.
As no response was received from the trainer despite an extension of time being granted to plea to the charges laid, on March 24, 2017, Stewards proceeded in his absence, found Mr Germon guilty of all charges laid and notified the trainer in writing.
The trainer was invited to make submissions in regards to penalty.
In the absence of any response from the trainer in regards to penalty, on May, 2, 2017 Stewards announced the following penalties:
Charges 1 and 2 – A fine of $300 in regards to each offence.
Charge 3 – A fine of $2000.
Charge 4 – A suspension of licence for a period of six (6) months to be served cumulative to a penalty presently the subject of appeal before the Racing Appeals Tribunal. The commencement date of such suspension will be announced following the determination of that Appeal.
In determining these penalties Stewards considered the circumstances of the offences and the known subjective facts relevant to the trainer.
Mr Germon was notified of the Stewards findings by letter on May, 3, 2017 and informed of his right to appeal these decisions.
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 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRAHAM LOCH | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gloch@hrnsw.com.au
