On 19 March 2019, licensed driver Steven Matson and licensed trainer Vince Vallelonga each lodged an application with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a review of the decision of the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Racing Appeals & Disciplinary (RAD) Board from 5 March 2019 where Mr Matson incurred concurrent penalties totalling a 12-month disqualification for breaches of Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) 241 (Charge 1), 216 (Charges 3 and 4) and 91(1)(a) (Charge 5), and Mr Vallelonga incurred concurrent penalties totalling a six-month disqualification for breaches of AHRR 241 (Charge 1) and 216 (Charges 3 and 4).
On 27 April 2021, Senior Member Wentworth handed down her decision in relation to the matter of Steven Matson. Senior Member Wentworth determined that HRV had not met the requisite standard of proof, setting aside the decision of the HRV RAD Board and dismissing the charges. As a consequence, on 7 May 2021, VCAT ordered that HRV's application for review of the HRV RAD Board penalties be struck out.
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