MR BRENT BERRY- HRNSW STEWARDS INQUIRY
5 January 2023
Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry yesterday regarding an investigation in relation to the betting activities of Mr Brent Berry while he has been a disqualified person.
Mr Berry was found guilty of three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 259 (1) & (7) as follows:
AHRR 259. (1) A disqualified person or a person whose name appears in the current list of disqualifications published or adopted by a recognised harness racing authority or a person warned off cannot do any of the following -
(a) associate with persons connected with the harness racing industry for purposes relating to that industry;
(b) be a member or employee of the Controlling Body;
(c) be an office holder, official, member or employee of a club;
(d) enter a racecourse or any place under the control of a club or Controlling Body;
(e) race, lease, train, drive or nominate a horse;
(f) conduct breeding activities;
(g) enter any premises used for the purposes of the harness racing industry;
(h) participate in any manner in the harness racing industry.
(i) permit or authorise any person to conduct any activity associated with the harness racing industry at his/her registered training establishment.
(j) place, or have placed on their behalf, or have any other interest in, a bet on any Australian harness racing race.
(k) associate with licensed persons connected with the thoroughbred or greyhound racing industry including but not limited to entering any premises owned or occupied by such licensed persons….
(7) A disqualified person who fails to comply with this rule is guilty of an offence.
In relation to the charges issued pursuant to AHRR 259 (1) & (7), HRNSW Stewards considered AHRR 259A as follows:
AHRR 259A In addition to any penalty imposed pursuant to Rule 259 (7) the original period of disqualification shall unless otherwise ordered by the Stewards automatically recommence in full’.
Consequently, HRNSW Stewards ordered that the original period of 2 years and 9 months disqualification imposed by HRNSW Stewards recommence in full from 5 February 2022, the date of the last bet identified by Stewards as having been placed by Mr Berry prior to him being informed of the Stewards investigation.
The current period of 2 years and 9 months disqualification will recommence from 5 February 2022 and conclude on 5 November 2024.
Following the conclusion of that disqualification, HRNSW Stewards imposed a further six (6) months disqualification to commence from 5 November 2024 and expire on 5 May 2025.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following;
- Mr Berry’s involvement in the harness racing industry, his licence history and offence record;
- The seriousness of the offences;
- Brief submissions provided by Mr Berry.
Mr Berry was advised of his right to appeal.
