HRV RAD Board Panel - Brian Collis QC, Rod Osborne, Brian Pearce
The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board today heard the appeal of Mr Shayne Cramp in regards to the decision of HRV Stewards to disqualify him for a period of 6 months. HRV Stewards had imposed the penalty upon Mr Cramp on 26 February 2013 after finding him guilty of foul driving (ARHR 168(1)) for an incident that occurred following the completion of Race 7 at Mildura on 12 February 2013. Mr Cramp’s appeal was in relation to both conviction and penalty.
During the hearing, the HRV RAD Board heard evidence from Senior Steward Mr Barry Delaney and Mr Shayne Cramp. The HRV RAD Board also considered evidence given during the initial Stewards Hearing from licensed driver Mr Nigel Milne, HRV Starter Mr Doug Gretgrix and Mildura Club Steward Mr Graeme Ray. The HRV RAD Board also considered submissions from the Chairman of Stewards Mr Shane Larkins (HRV representative) and Mr David Galbally QC (Mr Cramp’s representative). The HRV RAD Board were also able to give consideration to the DVD footage of the incident, which had been enhanced through the services of the Victoria Police Audio Visual Unit.
After considering all the evidence, the HRV RAD Board determined that the opinion of the Stewards in finding that Mr Cramp had intentionally steered his horse into the path of Mr Milne and Mr Milne’s horse was a reasonably held opinion. The HRV RAD Board therefore found Mr Cramp guilty of foul driving.
After considering submissions regarding penalty, the HRV RAD Board varied the penalty imposed upon Mr Cramp. The HRV RAD Board ordered that Mr Cramp’s driving licence be suspended for a period of 6 months and also imposed a fine of $10,000. The HRV RAD Board ordered that the suspension of Mr Cramp’s driving licence commence from 22 March 2013.
