Harness – Stewards Inquiry – FIFTH EDITION NZ
24 April, 2017
Harness
Given widespread speculation within the industry regarding this matter the following is provided in the interests of clarity and transparency.
Following the running of Race 1 at Gloucester Park on 2 December 2016, Stewards commenced an extensive investigation into all aspects of that race, in particular the disappointing performance of pre-post favourite FIFTH EDITION NZ and the wagering activity on that race.
On the 2 March 2017 a Stewards inquiry was commenced into a report received from RWWA Investigators, Mr Trevor Styles (Harness Form Analyst) and Mr Paul Criddle (Investigator) concerning the above.
Trainer of FIFTH EDITION NZ Mr Greg Bond (represented by counsel) and Driver Mr Ryan Warwick were directed to attend the inquiry.
After hearing evidence from several witnesses interviewed by the Investigators, the inquiry was adjourned and resumed on 12 April 2017 to admit further evidence and any submissions that either Mr Bond or Mr Warwick wished to bring forward.
The Stewards have today issued Mr Bond with the following charges arising from evidence heard to this stage of the inquiry;
Charge 1
Rule 209 False Information
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
Particulars of the charge are that you did knowingly furnish false information to the Stewards,
namely that during a phone call with the Chief Steward Mr Carl Coady on 5 December 2016 you stated that you had included your runner FIFTH EDITION in a first four bet on Race 1 at Gloucester Park on 2 December 2016 when that was false.
Charge 2
Rule: 243 Behaviour detrimental to the industry
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.
Particulars
The particulars of the charge are that you as a licensed trainer behaved in a way that was prejudicial to the industry as is set out in the matters below;
Prior to Race 1 at Gloucester Park on 2 December 2016 in which FIFTH EDITION a horse trained by you was drawn to compete, you were aware from comments made to you by the Driver Mr R Warwick of the horse hanging and cross firing when he drove it in track work on Tuesday 29 November 2016
And;
On TAB Radio on the morning of the race meeting, spoke positively as to the prospects of the horse in the race including indicating it was the best of the night for the Bond team but omitted to make any reference to the matter brought to your attention by Mr Warwick in relation to the horse hanging and cross firing when he drove it in track work on Tuesday 29 November 2016
And
Expressed to the owner Mr Gartrell in a phone call to be beware given this matter that you were aware of from Mr Warwick
And
In relation to this race in question you had multiple bets, by way of a First Four with multiple combinations and a Quadrella, which deliberately did not include FIFTH EDITION at all.
Driver Mr R. Warwick has been advised that the panel after considering all the evidence heard to this stage of the inquiry do not believe that any charges are applicable in relation to him at this time.
The inquiry is to be resumed at a date to be determined subject to the availability of Mr Bond’s counsel as soon as is practicable, in order for Mr Bond to respond to these charges. The inquiry thus remains at a preliminary stage with the panel maintaining an open mind with respect to all matters.
Until the conclusion of the inquiry RWWA will not be making further statements.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au