Harness – Stewards Inquiry – TORETTO NZ
8 March, 2017
Harness
RWWA Stewards today issued their determination with respect to the charges issued against Trainer Mr B Lynn and Driver Mr M Paris (Owner of TORETTO) under Harness Rules of Racing 193 (1) following the Stewards inquiry conducted on 27 February 2017 and have determined to impose a disqualification of fifteen (15) months in each case.
Both Mr Lynn and Mr Paris pleaded guilty to a charge under Harness Rule of Racing 193 (1) relating to stomach tubing TORETTO on 20 January 2017 at approximately 6.15pm whilst the gelding was in the float when it was nominated to race in Race 6 at Gloucester Park that evening.
TORETTO was withdrawn from the race following a report from RWWA Senior Investigative Steward Mr Paul Criddle alleging that he had witnessed Trainer Mr Bradley Lynn, in company with Licensed Driver, Mr Michael Paris (Owner of TORETTO) stomach tube the horse when conveying it to Gloucester Park.
In determining penalty Stewards took into account a number of factors including:
- The personal circumstances of both persons and their pleas of guilt
- That the stomach tubing of the horse had taken place in relative close proximity to racing at a location that was potentially observable to the public, whilst the horse was in the horse float and being conveyed to the race track
- That both Mr Lynn and Mr Paris were fully aware that it was an offence to stomach tube a horse on race day when deciding to do so
- That the Stewards did not accept the act of stomach tubing at that time was a response to a legitimate welfare concern for the horse
- Matters of welfare and the negative perceptions that arise from such conduct
- Previous penalties issued for similar offences in racing
- The need for the penalty to carry a level of deterrence and send a clear message that such offences are unacceptable
The penalty was backdated to commence as of 23 January 2017, which was the date upon which both Mr Lynn and Mr Paris were stood down by Stewards pending outcome of this matter.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – GM Racing Integrity
Ph.: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au