On Friday 15 March 2024 Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Stewards commenced an Inquiry into the late scratching of the horses WHODAT BOODAT, BUTTER CUP, MY ULTIMATE LEVI and MOOPS from the Broken Hill Harness Race Meeting on that date.
The inquiry was adjourned to allow Stewards to obtain further information in relation to the scratchings and take further evidence from Trainer/Driver Ryan Hryhorec.
On Thursday 6 June 2024, the Inquiry resumed and Mr. Hryhorec was questioned further by HRNSW Stewards.
HRNSW Stewards issued the following charges against Mr Hryhorec pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR):
Charge 1 – Pursuant to AHRR 187(2) as follows:
AHRR 187 (2) – A person shall not refuse to answer questions or to produce a horse, document, substance or piece of equipment, or give false and misleading evidence or information at an inquiry or investigation
Particulars
That Ryan Hryhorec did on Friday 15 March 2024 provide false and misleading evidence to an inquiry in relation to the scratchings of WHODAT BOODAT, BUTTER CUP, MY ULTIMATE LEVI and MOOPS at the Broken Hill Race meeting on that day.
Charge 2 – Pursuant to AHRR 209 as follows:
AHRR 209 – A person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not knowingly or recklessly furnish false information to the Controlling Body, the Stewards or anyone else
Particulars
That Ryan Hryhorec did on Friday 15 March 2024 knowingly provide to the Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Racing office false information in regards to the scratching’s of WHODAT BOODAT, BUTTER CUP, MY ULTIMATE LEVI and MOOPS
Charge 3 – Pursuant to AHRR 209 as above.
That Ryan Hryhorec did on Saturday 16 March 2024 via email knowingly furnish a mechanical report which provided false information in relation to repairs carried out on his horse float.
Mr. Hryhorec pleaded guilty to all 3 charges.
HRNSW Stewards issued the following penalties:
Charge 1: 3 months disqualification
Charge 2: 3 months disqualification to be served concurrently with Charge 1
Charge 3: 3 months disqualification to be served concurrently with Charge 1 & 2
Mr. Hryhorec has appealed these decisions of HRNSW Stewards.
