The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) today heard the application for review of Mr Michael Stanley in regard to the decision of the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board on 10 August 2016 in finding Mr Stanley guilty of a breach of Australian Harness Racing Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) which reads as follows:
163. (1) A driver shall not -
(a) cause or contribute to any
(iii) interference;
The alleged rule breach related to Mr Stanley’s driving of Soho Angel passing the 300m in Race 6 the “Renown Silverware Tatlow Stakes (2Y0 Fillies) (Group 2)” at Tabcorp Park Melton on 16 July 2016. The HRV RAD Board confirmed the 4 week suspension imposed by the HRV Stewards.
After hearing evidence and submissions from the barrister representing the HRV Stewards, and the barrister representing Mr Stanley, the VCAT upheld Mr Stanley’s application and set aside the 4 week suspension imposed by the HRV RAD Board.
In announcing his decision Senior Member Butcher advised after considering the evidence tendered by HRV Senior Steward Mr Barry Delaney and Mr Stanley along with the video footage from numerous angles, which he remarked in his opinion was inconclusive, the Tribunal could not be comfortably satisfied to the required standard that Mr Stanley caused or contributed to the interference suffered to Arm A Princess and others.
