The Harness Racing Licence of Shane Loone has been disqualified for a period of 12 Months after he had been found guilty to three of four charges which had been issued against him on the 11th of September 2024.
Stewards after charging Mr. Loone had stood him down acting under AHRR 183 however after lodging an appeal with the South Australia Racing Appeals Tribunal he was operating on a stay proceedings.
Charge 1. AHRR 241. A person shall not in connection with any part of the harness racing do anything which is fraudulent or corrupt.
Specifics of the charge were “ That you Shane Loone have committed a corrupt act by placing a bet with the Betting Agency SPORTSBET at 10:13 am. 12th August 2024 of $50 at Fixed Odds of $41 on Majorholeinmypocket for whom you were at that time the notified driver of in Race 6 the 1800-GOT-JUNK PACE which was run at Gawler Harness Racing Club meeting at 3:33 pm. 12th August 2024 was a corrupt act by yourself being fully aware at the time of placing this bet you had no intention of driving Majorholeinmypocket as Gaita Pullicino had been organised to take the drive therefore you were taking Odds of $41 which did not exist when it became public knowledge”.
The Stewards state the corrupt act is you have willingly acted dishonestly in placing this wager.
Stewards were satisfied to the requisite standard required that Mr. Loone was guilty as charged.
Charge 2. AHRR 215. A person shall not alter or manipulate gear or other equipment so as to improperly advantage or disadvantage a horse in a race.
Stewards after considering all evidence did not sustain the charge.
Charge 3. AHRR 235B (1) A trainer shall not place a bet on another horse in a race in which he has a starter.
Stewards satisfied to the requisite standard required that Mr. Loone was guilty of the charge.
Charge 4. AHRR 235B (2) A trainer shall not place a bet on another horse in a race to finish ahead of a horse trained by that trainer in the race.
Stewards satisfied to the requisite standard required that Mr. Loone was guilty of the charge.
The following decisions on penalty after considering seriousness of the charges, effect it may have on the image of Harness Racing, pleas of not guilty and previous offences record of Mr. Loone were ordered.
Charge 1. Disqualification 9 Months.
Charge 3. Disqualification 3 Months.
Charge 4. Disqualification 3 Months.
Stewards directed that Charges 3 and 4 to be served concurrently therefore in totality a period of 12 Months disqualification imposed.
Stewards advised Mr. Loone in respect to his appeal rights.
T Styles
Chairman of Stewards
HRSA
