Harness – Stewards Inquiry – Race 1 Gloucester Park 2 December 2016 – FIFTH EDITION NZ
17 May, 2017
Harness
RWWA Stewards yesterday resumed the inquiry following the issue of the following charges to trainer Mr Greg Bond on 21 April 2017, following an extensive investigation into all aspects of Race 1 conducted at Gloucester Park on 2 December 2016, in particular the disappointing performance of pre-post favourite FIFTH EDITION NZ and the wagering activity on that race.
There had been two previous sittings of the inquiry prior to yesterday’s resumption (2 March 2017 & 12 April 2017).
Mr Bond, who was represented by counsel, pleaded not guilty to both charges and proceeded to call several witnesses and make extensive submissions in support of his pleas.
After receiving all submissions, the matter was adjourned in order for Stewards to consider the evidence in totality and determine the charges.
Given the volume of evidence arising from the three sittings and the many witnesses heard at the inquiry, the Stewards are not in a position at this stage to provide any indication as to the length of time that may be required to determine the matter.
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.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au