Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) today inquired into an incident which occurred at Bankstown paceway following the running of Race 6 on Friday 18 May 2012.
Evidence was taken from Trainer/Driver Kevin Pizzuto, Owner John Downer (telephone link-up), stablehand Ms Karen Crouch and HRNSW Starter Mr Shane Ticehurst.
Mr Pizzuto pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct in that following the running of race 6, when driving LEADING LAVROSS and on return to the track exit gate, he spoke in a loud, abusive and obscene manner towards Mr John Downer.
In considering penalty Stewards were cognisant of the following:
• Mr Pizzuto’s guilty plea
• Mr Pizzuto’s disciplinary record which shows this is the third breach of rules in relation to behavioural matters
• This incident occurred in full view of the public.
• The circumstances of the incident.
Mr Pizzuto’s driver’s licence was suspended for a period of six (6) months effective from midnight Tuesday 5 June 2012.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 256 (5) (a) the Stewards ordered that three (3) months of the six (6) month drivers suspension be suspended for a period of twelve (12) months conditional on Mr Pizzuto not breaching any rule pertaining to behaviour.
In summary, Mr Pizzuto’s driver’s licence is suspended for a period of three (3) months effective from midnight Tuesday 5 June 2012.
HRNSW intend to further interview Owner Mr John Downer on Thursday 31 May 2012.
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.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Reid Sanders
Position: Regulatory Manager
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: rsanders@hrnsw.com.au
