On Tuesday 5 December 2023 Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Stewards commenced an Inquiry into the driving tactics of Mr Stanford on ABRIDGED, a horse trained and driven by him, in Race 6 at the Menangle Harness Racing Club on that date.
The Inquiry was adjourned to allow Stewards to consider the evidence provided by Mr Stanford and to conduct an examination of betting records.
On 12 January 2024, the Inquiry resumed and Mr Stanford was questioned further by HRNSW Stewards before the Inquiry was again adjourned for consideration of the evidence presented at the Inquiry.
On 23 January 2024, Mr Stanford was issued with the following charges:
Charges Issued – Driving Tactics
Charge 1
Mr Stanford was issued with a charge pursuant to AHRR 147(1), (2) and (4) as follows:
AHRR 147 (1) A driver shall race a horse on its merits
(2) Action or non action by a driver during the course of a race which prevents or impedes the horse driven by that driver from racing on its merits shall be sufficient to establish non compliance with sub-rule (1)
(4) A driver who fails to comply with sub-rule(1) is guilty of an offence
Charge 2
Mr Stanford was issued with a charge pursuant to AHRR 149(1) as follows:
AHRR 149 (1) A drive 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.
Charges Issued – TRAINER BETTING
Charge 3 & 4
Mr Stanford was issued with two (2) charges pursuant to AHRR 235(B)(1)& (2) as follows:
AHRR 235B (1) A trainer shall not place a bet on another horse in a race in which he has a starter.
(2) A trainer shall not place a bet on a horse in a race to finish ahead of a horse trained by that trainer in the race.
Charges Issued – Driver Betting
Mr Stanford was issued with sixteen (16) charges pursuant to AHRR 173(1) as follows;
AHRR 173 (1) A driver shall not bet in a race in which the driver participates.
On 14 February 2024, the Inquiry resumed at which time HRNSW Stewards determined to withdraw Charge 1.
Mr Stanford pleaded not guilty to Charge 2 and guilty to all other charges.
After being provided an opportunity to give further evidence in support of his not guilty plea in relation to Charge 2, Mr Stanford was found guilty of the charge.
HRNSW Stewards issued the following penalties:
Charge 1: Withdrawn;
Charge 2: 8 weeks suspension;
Charges 3 & 4: 3 months disqualification for each offence to be served concurrently;
Charges 5 to 20: $250 fine for each offence.
Mr Stanford was advised of his right to appeal these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
For further information contact the HRNSW Integrity Department
