For immediate release
12 May 2023
Driver Conduct - Sunday 23rd April 2023
Stewards have conducted inquiries into the conduct of four drivers following the running of races six and ten at the Tasmanian Trotting Club meeting held at Elwick racetrack on Sunday 23rd April 2023.
The allegation being that the drivers involved, Mitchell Ford, Nathan Ford, Troy Hillier, and Rohan Hillier conducted themselves unprofessionally and inappropriately by becoming engaged in a heated argument following the horses crossing the line in race six which was audible in the public areas of the racetrack. There was further verbal conflict following race ten with this also being audible in the public areas.
After considering the evidence adduced at the hearing all drivers were charged with a breach of Australian Harness Racing Rule 243 which states:
A person employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry shall not behave in a way which is prejudicial or detrimental to the industry.
Mr Nathan Ford admitted the breach and Messrs Mitchell Ford, Troy Hillier and Rohan Hillier denied the breach of the rule.
After consideration, the charges in relation to Messrs Mitchell Ford, Troy Hillier and Rohan Hillier were found proved.
In determining the appropriate penalty to be imposed the Panel is concerned that the conduct of all four drivers on this occasion fell well short of what is expected. The consequences of their behaviour being that the industry’s reputation was put at risk by way of unacceptable conduct.
Turning to the matter of penalty, the Panel believes that the penalties imposed must reflect the seriousness of the offending. To this end, and having regard to other penalties imposed, we have established a starting point of a $2,000 fine.
To this we have applied any subjective factors, including but not limited to, all driver’s records, their experience, their contrition, and their personal circumstances.
Take all relevant factors into account we find the following:
Mr Nathan Ford is fined $2,000.00 with $1,250 stayed for a period of twenty-four months
Mr Mitchell Ford is fined $2,000.00 with $1,000 stayed for a period of twenty-four months
Mr Troy Hillier is fined $2,000.00 with $1,000 stayed for a period of twenty-four months
Mr Rohan Hillier is fined $2,000.00 with $1,000 stayed for a period of twenty-four months
This being to hold all drivers accountable, and to deter others from committing the same or similar offences.
Neil Finnigan
Chief Steward - Harness
