HARNESS Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an inquiry in relation to the betting activities of licensed trainer-driver Mr Brett Hutchings on Monday August 20, 2018.
Mr Hutchings appeared at the inquiry, represented by Mr Robert Bucksath, and was charged pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 173(1) and (6) in relation to 158 betting transactions he placed on races in which he had participated in.
AHRR 173. states: “(1) A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates.
(2) A driver engaged to drive at a meeting shall not enter the betting area of the racecourse during the period commencing 60 minutes before the time fixed for the first race and finishing at the completion of the driver’s engagements at the meeting.
(3) For the purposes of this rule, betting area means those areas of a racecourse where betting with an approved wagering operator is conducted.
(4) A driver or the trainer of a horse shall not authorise, enable, permit or allow another person to place a bet on a betting account of the driver or the trainer.
(5) A driver or trainer shall not place or have an interest in a bet on any betting account other than an account registered in their own name.
(6) Any person who fails to comply with any provision of this rule is guilty of an offence.
Mr Hutchings pleaded guilty to the charges and provided submissions on penalty. Further submissions were provided by Mr Bucksath before Stewards adjourned to consider the matter of penalty.
In determining penalty, Stewards considered the following:
-
13 bets were placed by Mr Hutchings on horses other than those driven by him in the respective races;
-
39 bets were placed by Mr Hutchings on horses he drove in combination with another horse or horses in exotic bets;
-
106 bets were placed by Mr Hutchings on horses that he drove in the respective races.
In relation to the 13 charges where Mr Hutchings was found to have wagered on horses other than those driven by him in the respective races, he was disqualified for a period of three months in respect of each charge. It was further determined that the offences created in each calendar year are to be served concurrently and cumulatively to each individual calendar year (as below).
2016 (One offence) – Three month disqualification
2017 (Two offences) – Three month disqualification (served cumulative to 2016)
2018 (10 offences) – Three month disqualification (served cumulative to 2017)
TOTAL - Nine month disqualification
In relation to the 39 charges where Mr Hutchings was found to have wagered on horses he drove, in combination with another horse or horses in exotic bets, he was disqualified for a period of two months in respect of each charge.
It was determined that the offences created in year 2013/14 are to be served concurrently. It was further determined that the offences created in each calendar year following 2013/14 are to will be served concurrently and cumulatively to each individual calendar year (as below).
2013/2014 (Eight offences) – Two month disqualification
2015 (Five offences) – Two month disqualification (served cumulative to 2013/14)
2016 (10 offences) – Two month disqualification (served cumulative to 2015)
2017 (Seven offences) – Two month disqualification (served cumulative to 2016)
2018 (Nine offences) – Two month disqualification (served cumulative to 2017)
TOTAL – 10 month disqualification (served cumulative to nine month disqualification as above)
Consequently, Mr Hutchings was disqualified for a period of 19 months to commence from June 19, 2018 (the date upon which Mr Hitchings was stood down) and conclude on January 18, 2020.
In relation to the charges involving the 106 bets where Mr Hutchings was found to have wagered on the horse that he drove in the respective races, he was fined a total of $5300.
In determining penalty, Stewards were mindful of the following:
-
The serious nature of these offences;
-
Mr Hutchings’ guilty plea;
-
Mr Hutchings’ licence history;
-
Mr Hutchings’ cooperation before the Stewards and other personal subjective factors.
Mr Hutchings was advised of his right to appeal this decision.
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 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • mprentice@hrnsw.com.au
GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
(02) 9722 6600 • gadams@hrnsw.com.au
