On 9 July 2018, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) heard the application for review by Mr Jason Lee in relation to a decision of the HRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board on 7 February 2018.
Background
The HRV RAD Board had dismissed Mr Lee’s appeal of the decision of HRV Stewards to impose a 6 week driving suspension under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 149(1) for his drive upon Vincennes in Race 5 at Melton on 22 December 2017, although varied the penalty to a 4 week driving suspension. The decision of the HRV RAD Board can be viewed here.
AHRR 149(1) 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 placing in the field.
VCAT Hearing
At the VCAT hearing before Senior Member Dea on 9 July 2018, evidence was taken from HRV Stipendiary Steward Mr Stephen Coombes, along with submissions provided by legal counsel representing HRV Stewards and Mr Lee.
Senior Member Dea upheld the appeal of Mr Lee and set aside the decision of the HRV RAD Board. The VCAT order can be viewed here.
