APPEAL AND STAY APPLICATION BY MR G BOND
7 August, 2017
Harness
In response to various queries following the withdrawal of Mr Bond’s runners on Friday 4 August 2017 the following is provided
On Wednesday 2 August, Trainer Mr Greg Bond was notified of the Stewards decision to impose a disqualification for breaches of Rule 209 & 243 (6 and 12 months respectively to be served concurrently – refer RWWA Media Release 2 August 2017 for details).
On Thursday 3 August at approximately 2.30pm, Stewards were notified of the lodgment of an appeal and application for a stay of proceedings by Mr Bond with the Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal (RPAT).
Given the seriousness of the matter and its importance to the racing industry the Stewards forwarded written submissions at 8.17pm that evening in opposition to the stay requesting to be heard before RPAT prior to the matter being determined. Stewards indicated they were available to appear on Friday if a hearing could be convened.
As the matter was being considered by RPAT it was not possible to withdraw the horse at the appointed scratching time on Friday.
Various correspondence was exchanged on Friday morning between RPAT, the Stewards and Mr Bond’s legal counsel with regard to a possible hearing that day. Mr Bond’s counsel advised they were not available to appear on Friday and requested the matter be determined by written submissions.
At 10.40 am further correspondence from Mr Bond’s counsel to RPAT responding to the Stewards submission of the previous evening requesting the matter be determined by way of written submissions was received.
At 10.47am the parties were advised by the Registrar of RPAT that the Acting Chairman had resolved to determine the stay application by way of a hearing. As the Stewards had advised they were available at the Tribunals convenience, available dates were requested of Mr Bond’s counsel.
At 10.53am availability of Mr Bond’s counsel for Monday 7 August 2017 at 2.00pm was notified.
At 11.31am Registrar of RPAT confirmed the listing of hearing of the stay application.
As any withdrawal of the horses engaged for Friday night would be irreversible and given the array of submissions in a short space of time, to ensure there was no confusion, further action or other submissions arising with respect to the matter of a stay, the decision to withdraw the horses was deferred to 2.30pm.
Whilst announcements as to the withdrawals were made on TAB Radio and through the normal channels, unfortunately such late withdrawal of horses negatively impacted wagering customers.
Whilst such situation for customers is undesirable, the Stewards believed in the circumstances a prudent and cautious approach was appropriate.
Pending the outcome of the Stay hearing today at 2.00pm, horses will be withdrawn at the appointed scratching time unless otherwise determined.
Any queries or concerns can be directed to me.
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au