NOG2001 Template
16 December, 2002
Gavin Lang Inquiry
Harness Racing Victoria stewards today concluded an
adjourned inquiry into the driving tactics adopted by Gavin Lang aboard
Sumthingaboutmaori in the Maryborough Advertiser Trotters Handicap at
Maryborough on 6 December, 2002.
After hearing evidence from trainer Bryan Healy and
Gavin Lang, stewards charged Lang under rule 149(1) which states:
"A driver shall take all
reasonable and permissible measures during the course of a race to ensure that
the horse driven by that driver is given full opportunity to win or obtain the
best possible position in the field".
Stewards were concerned by Lang?s
decision to take Sumthingaboutmaori to a position three back on the marker pegs
on the turn out of the back straight shortly after the start.? They took exception when he failed to move
to a one wide position before being covered by Jarena on the turn into the
front straight after travelling approximately 450 metres.
Lang was found guilty as charged
and his licence to drive in races was suspended for a period of (4) months.
Alford &
McMahon Appeal
Harness Racing
Victoria's appeals panel today heard objections from drivers Chris Alford &
Ian McMahon against suspensions.
Chris Alford's
appeal against a (2) week suspension imposed for causing interference at
Ballarat on 30 November was upheld.
Ian McMahon's appeal against a (2) week suspension imposed for causing
interference at Moonee Valley on 7 December was dismissed with the
penalty effective at midnight this evening.
